PRESTONSBURG — Armed with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Prestonsburg is trying to show cyclists of all skill levels how friendly it can be.
Signs will soon be going up promoting Prestonsburg as a “bike-friendly city,” and renovations of the Garfield Trail are nearly complete, which will allow smoother riding for cyclists, as well as benches and picnic tables for cyclists and hikers.
And on Tuesday, the city staged a “trial run” of a bicycle safety class for kids age 9-12 at Archer Park.
Maytown Center Director Dan Chauncy, who has been active in leading mountain biking excursions for area youth, was on hand to give a half-dozen kids lessons on riding safely. The kids also received free bicycle helmets as part of the demonstration.
Chauncy emphasized the importance of teaching children proper cycling by pointing out that 300,000 kids wind up in emergency rooms each year due to bike accidents.
“It’s the number-one cause of death for children age 1 to 14,” Chauncy added.
Another safety demonstration is planned for sometime next month, while a dedication of the improved Garfield Trail will take place Friday, July 13.














