UW-Madison cycling team freezin’ for bike safety

The University of Wisconsin–Madison cycling team will be “Freezin’ for Safety” on Thursday, Dec. 2, to raise money for the Madison Area Safe Kids Coalition.

The Safe Kids Coalition provides car seats and bicycle helmets for underprivileged youth in the Madison area so they can stay safe while participating in everyday activities.

The annual 12-hour fundraiser, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m., involves cycling team members riding bicycles on stationary trainers on Library Mall, regardless of the weather.

The group’s last fundraiser brought in more than $2,200, and the Dec. 2 event is expected to generate a similar amount.

“This event is a great way for our club to give back to our community,” says cycling team president Ken Huxtable. “The city of Madison has always been very supportive of both our club and the larger cycling community, and this is a great way for our club to return the favor.”

Bicycle helmets are especially important to cycling team members, because the team lost one of its riders five years ago due to head trauma sustained during a bicycle race.

“The members of our team know the importance of bicycle helmets, and we urge everyone to always wear a bike helmet while riding,” Huxtable says. “It’s the best way to stay safe while having fun.”

For more information, visit http://www.uwcycling.com.