HensonFuerst

Welcomes You!

Staying in shape, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time with friends and family are just a few benefits of cycling. As this sport continues to grow in our community, however, more instances of bicycle-related accidents are a real possibility. Understanding the importance of proper riding skills, traffic rules, and helmet safety are key elements in keeping everyone on the road safe and accident-free.

To help in this effort, the members of HensonFuerst invite local high school students to create unique and compelling PSAs that encourage teens to understand the importance of safe cycling. The rules are simple: Create a video public service announcement—also known as a PSA—about bicycle safety. You can cover one of the suggestions below or come up with your own ideas, just be sure to stick to the main topic of bicycle safety.

Entries must be uploaded by Monday, April 18, 2011

A Few Ideas for Your PSA

Helmet Safety – In North Carolina, bicyclists under the age of 16 are required by law to wear helmets, but did you know those between the ages of 6 and 18 are less likely to wear helmets than other age groups? Wearing helmets while cycling can significantly reduce the chance of serious injury or even death; as a matter of fact, helmets have been credited in helping prevent more than half of head injury deaths in cycling accidents. (Source: NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/)

Share the Road – Both vehicles and bicycles need to observe traffic laws and respect one another while on the road. The League of American Bicyclists offers tips and advice for both cyclists and motorists on its Web site, which can be found here: www.bikeleague.org/action/sharetheroad.php.

Smart Cycling – Cyclists must obey all rules and laws when riding. These include using hand signals, obeying right-of-way laws, and using proper lamps when riding at night. These laws were created to keep cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians safe. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center offers information and research that might come in useful. You can visit its site here: www.bicyclinginfo.org.

The Prize

Let's get to the good stuff, as in THE PRIZE! What do you get if you win the PSA contest? How does a new Apple MacBook with Apple Final Cut Express HD sound? Or, if you already have a computer, you can go with a $1,500 gift card to a well-known electronics store. Now that’s some serious motivation!

The winning student’s school will receive a $500 donation, and the winning PSA will be aired on television, the HensonFuerst Web site, and My PSA Contest’s Web site.

HensonFuerst Cycling Team

Several members of HensonFuerst are avid cyclists who understand the importance of promoting awareness and education about the importance of cycling safety. The HensonFuerst Cycling Team participates in the Tour de Cure every year, and has raised thousands of dollars for the American Diabetes Association.