The Next Generation Committee from USW Local Union 2737 hosted their second-annual Bike Safety Day on May 27 for families in the Dover, Ohio community with a goal to help reduce the amount of bike-related injuries this summer.
Children were encouraged to bring their bikes to the event, held at the local’s union hall, where they could ride through a course while getting safety instructions from the Dover Police Department. Kids who participated in the course were also given a free helmet, bike safety handouts and, of course, some USW gear.
“So many kids are injured every year and if we can pass on this knowledge and help prevent accidents from happening, it’s well worth it to keep doing this,” says Next Generation committee chair Cory Ayers.
Through donations from local businesses and the generosity of Local 2737 members, the committee was able to host a raffle for bike-themed door prizes and each attendee was entered into a drawing for a chance to win a new bike. The local’s Women of Steel Committee volunteered the day of the event to provide a face painting station and help distribute snacks and drinks.
Even though it was a holiday weekend and there was a chance of rainy weather, more than 30 families attended, including many new faces since last year’s Bike Safety Day.
This project is just one of so many that the USW's amazing members do every day to give back to our communities. If you or your local is doing good things, we want to hear about it! Use the #USWCares hashtag and give a shoutout to @Steelworkers when you post your stories on social media. If you’d like to nominate a fellow member or local for a Jefferson Awards, visit usw.org/uswcares.