When parents worry about injuries that might happen to their kids, bike injuries are not necessarily the first things that come to mind. But bicycles actually cause more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except automobiles, with head injuries topping the list.

To help show children how to ride safely, the MCG Children’s Medical Center and Kohl’s Cares for Kids present an inaugural bike rodeo on Saturday, October 14 in the Kohl’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their children to this free event for interactive games and activities including:

• Seeing and Being Seen: Kids learn to watch where they are going
• Chaos Corners: Kids learn why rules are important
• Demon Driveways: Kids learn to avoid one of the biggest causes of bike crashes
• Crazy Crossroads: Kids learn that stop signs are not just for cars
• Who’s There: Kids learn to watch for traffic coming from behind
• Rock Dodge/Thread the Needle: Kids learn control and balance
• Dodge ‘Em and Drive: Kids learn how to handle road hazards
• Bicycle helmet checks and distribution
• Bicycle safety checks

T-shirts will be given to the first 100 children. The free event is open to all children who need to learn or get a refresher on bicycle safety. Children should bring their bicycle and a helmet to participate. Helmets will also be available.

For more information, please call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606.

“Kohl’s introduced the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities, and is committed to playing an active role in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing for Kohl’s Department Stores.  “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created with children’s hospitals across the country, and are excited to join the MCG Children’s Medical Center in this endeavor.”

About Kohl’s:
Kohl’s commitment to the MCG Children’s Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program, which raises funds for children’s health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items.  Net profits from the sales go to support children’s health and educational opportunities in the market areas served by Kohl’s.  Kohl’s community outreach also includes Kohl’s Kids Who Careâ, an annual youth volunteer recognition program, fundraising gift cards for local schools and non-profit youth groups, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced national, exclusive and private brand apparel, shoes, accessories, home products and beauty in an exciting shopping environment.  Kohl’s operates 749 stores in 43 states. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit Kohl’s Web site at kohls.com.

About MCG Health System:
MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, or employees of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation, not employees of MCG Health, Inc.  MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.