Jackson State University’s Center for University-Based Development partnered with Voice of Calvary Ministries for the “Cruising the Community” children’s bike ride as part of the ministry’s “On the Road to Health” initiative.
The event took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27, with registration starting at 9 a.m. at the Walter Payton Center. The ride was open to children ages 0-12. Children cruised the campus with bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, rollerblades, wheelchairs and skateboards. No motorized vehicles were allowed. There were three bike routes for the children to ride depending on their age group. The longest route consisted of a three-mile ride on the parkway around JSU’s main campus.
Children were provided with free bike helmets, books and food. Three bicycles were given away, along with $500 worth of prizes.
There were also free health screenings, including HIV testing.
After the bike ride, attended a Rolling Tigers Wheelchair basketball game at the Walter Payton Center.
The “On the Road to Health” initiative promotes exercise, healthy eating and positive lifestyles in a family setting.
Mississippi has the highest rates of childhood and adult obesity in the nation, according to the state Department of Health. Childhood obesity has been linked to heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Forty percent of children in Mississippi are obese.
In addition to providing fun exercise, the bike ride raised awareness about bike safety, exposed youth to safe routes for biking and walking and made health screenings available for parents and caregivers.