Wilcox Medical Center hosted hundreds of children and their families at the annual Keiki Bike & Skateboard Safety Day. The free event provided children with proper safety gear and important tips for riding bicycles and skateboards safely. The mayor of Kauai also made a special announcement about a plan to help make roads safer for everyone on the island.
The free event was made possible with the help of Wilcox employees and volunteers, and many community supporters. Wilcox hosted a booth where kids got their heads measured and were given free multi-use helmets that fit properly. They then personalized their new helmets with stickers and markers. More than 30 children also got to go home with brand new bicycles, which were donated by Wilcox employees and the community.
This year’s event also featured a special proclamation from Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami. He formally announced that the County of Kauai is adopting the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities on Kauai by 2040. A Vision Zero advisory group will be formed to advise the Mayor’s Office and County Council on safe transportation laws and policies. Kauai County will also continue investing in programs that make roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and more. The adoption of the Vision Zero initiative also allows Kauai County to seek additional federal funding for local infrastructure improvements.
“Whether they’re pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists or driving a passenger vehicle, we just want to educate people and kids so that they are aware, pay attention, drive with aloha and just care for one another,” Kawakami said.
Other highlights of the event included a bike skills enhancement course by Kauai Path, which taught children how to safely navigate turns and do proper hand signals. Play Streets Kauai gave skateboard lessons and tips with the help of Kauai Skate Ohana. Kids could get their bikes tuned up at AlohaCare’s safety inspection station and learn about concussion prevention at educational booths.
“Bike & Skateboard Safety Day is one of our favorite events because it’s a day when the community comes together for our children,” Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic, said. “We’re thankful to all of our Wilcox physicians, staff and volunteers, our dedicated team of community partners and everyone who attended to help keep our keiki safe.”
From left: April Diegeuz, Wilcox Medical Center Trauma Program manager; Derek Kawakami, Kaua‘i County mayor; Jen Chahanovich, Wilcox Medical Center president and CEO, and CEO of Kaua‘i Medical Clinic; Dr. Van Martin, Wilcox Medical Center Trauma Program medical director.
One of the more than 30 Kauai keiki who got to go home from the event with a new bike, which was donated by a Wilcox employee.
A volunteer assists a young boy with skateboard lessons and safety tips.
Top photo: Dr. Eugene Tareshawty, Wilcox internal medicine physician, fitting a helmet on a child.