The Selma Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta has once again teamed up with the Liberty Mutual of Birmingham office to host the annual community Bike Safety Fair.

This year’s free event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Clark Elementary School.

Designed for children between the ages of 2 to 12, volunteers at the Bike Safety Fair will be teaching important bike riding rules and there will be a miniature riding course, complete with real road challenges, according to a Liberty Mutual press release.

Children should bring their own bicycle and a properly fitted helmet (those without a helmet will be provided one on loan), and must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver.

Along with the riding course, there will also be bike safety quizzes, refreshments and giveaways for kids and parents.

“Hundreds of people are hurt in bicycle accidents each year, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Liberty Mutual are committed to educating children about simple safety guidelines that could reduce the number of injuries and fatalities,” said Fair organizer Jacqueline Walker in a press release.

Bicycle accidents continue to be a significant cause of injury or death to U.S. children.

According to government and insurance industry reports, more than 500,000 people are hurt in bicycle accidents each year.

In addition, of the nearly 700 bicyclists killed each year in traffic accidents, 90 percent were not wearing a helmet.

Walker said Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Liberty Mutual’s Bike Safety Fair is a prime example of the how the organization and company are trying to “put the commitment into action.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a public service organization

that provides service to the community through a wide variety of projects. May Week is one of the national service projects for the sorority.

Liberty Mutual is one of the largest multi-line insurers in the property and casualty industry.

The company offers a wide range of services, including group life and disability, commercial auto, individual life and annuities, and international programs.

In addition to wearing a helmet and keeping bikes in good condition, Liberty Mutual offers these safety tips to bike riders:

* Keep hands on the handlebars, expect when giving hand signals.

* Ride single file on the ride side of the road close to the curb, moving with traffic-never facing it.

* Watch for cars pulling to traffic from the curb.

* Avoid weaving through traffic.

* Never carry a passenger or packages that obstruct your vision.

* Give pedestrians the right of way.

* Use proper hand signals.

* Wear light-colored clothing.