MDOT launches poster contest to promote kids riding bikes

From The Mississippi Link Newswire

JACKSON -The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is partnering with Saris Cycling Group (SCG), a manufacturer of bicycle racks and cycling training products, to launch a poster contest aimed at getting fifth graders to think about the benefits of riding a bicycle.

The contest is challenging fifth-grade students to create a poster around the theme, “Bicycling takes me places!” The purpose of the contest is to promote youth riding bicycles as part of an active lifestyle. The deadline to submit entries to MDOT is Thursday, March 1, 2012.

One winner will be selected from each state and will receive a bike, bike light, and helmet. One national winner will win a trip to the 2012 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. and his or her school will receive bicycle parking for twenty bikes and a bike/walk tracking system called The Hub.

“The contest provides a fun activity to get students excited about learning and provides teachers a creative way to introduce healthy living concepts,” said SCG Advocacy Coordinator Heather Fortune. “This is a great way to encourage fifth graders to simply think about the places a bike can take them, for fun or for transportation.”

MDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator Cookie Leffler said the contest fits perfectly into a statewide initiative to get Mississippians to lead more active lifestyles.

“Mississippi is making a concerted effort to improve the health and wellness of its young citizens,” Leffler said. “This contest is a great way to encourage youngsters to ride bicycles and engage in physical activity particularly as an alternative means of transportation to and from school. Plus, we think the students will enjoy the creative aspect of the contest. We’re certainly looking forward to seeing the creativity.”

To learn more about the SCG Poster Contest or to participate contact Cookie Leffler, MDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at cleffler@mdot.state.ms.us or 601-359-1454. Also visit www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest.