May Day 5K Campaign to Advance Bicycle Education for Children in Henderson
Rewritten Article:
Get moving, Kailua-Kona! The West Hawaii Civic Center became a hub of activity as folks stomped the pavement for PATH's May Day 5K - an event aimed at helping the community's active transportation advocates, People for Active Transportation Hawaii (PATH).
The event, held on May 4th (a nod to Star Wars fans everywhere), combined fitness, aloha, and a hearty dose of giving back, aligning with Hawaii's May Day spirit. More than 50 enthusiastic participants took to the Queen's Lei trail along Ane Keohokalole Highway, making this race a double victory - funds were raised to support PATH's hands-on Bike Education program while raising awareness for the cause.
"We're gearing up for our second annual PATH 5K, and this race serves as a way to fund our Bike Education program," said race director and PATH's COO, Kelly Hudik. "By hosting the event at the West Hawaii Civic Center, we avoid road closures, and we're utilizing the Queen's Lei protected pathway. It showcases just one of the many efforts PATH has made for the community – improving the safety and accessibility of walking and biking trails across the island."
Since last year, PATH's Bike Education program has enlightened 4th graders across the Big Island with the crucial know-how to navigate roads safely and handle real-world traffic situations. By reaching over 1,000 students across 18 schools, PATH is paving the way for a healthier, more active generation – providing them with lifesaving lessons that extend beyond the three-day class.
In preparation for Honokaa Elementary School's upcoming event, Hudik shared that the event will provide a free helmet for every child that participates. Each high-quality helmet costs about $15, making the fundraiser essential to PATH's continued success in educating kids about safe cycling practices. It's worthy to note that PATH operates entirely on grants and donations.
With increased traffic and ever-present distractions, initiatives like PATH's Bike Education program are more important than ever. Thanks to the backing of the May Day 5K event, PATH will keep pedaling forward – empowering one school, one student, and one safe ride at a time.
"We're an active community, and we want to remind everyone that cyclists belong on our roads," Hudik said. By advocating for cyclists' rights and teaching safe practices, we can make a safer environment for all commuters."
For more information about PATH, possible donation opportunities, or ways you can volunteer for the bike education program, please visit their website: www.pathhawaii.org.
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- The May Day 5K event, supported by the active Kailua-Kona community, not only promotes sports and fitness but also raises funds for the Bike Education program, which is crucial for educating children about safe cycling practices in the face of increasing traffic and distractions.
- In addition to their Bike Education program, People for Active Transportation Hawaii (PATH) advocates for the rights of cyclists in the community, striving to create a safer environment for all commuters through better infrastructure and traffic management.
- By participating in the PATH 5K race, the community can support the organization's efforts in promoting education, health, and community involvement in sports and active transportation, helping to create a healthier, more active generation.
