Scooter Safety Event at Reagan Library

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will host a scooter safety event today.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported last month that scooter-related injuries nationwide zoomed up 700% since May.

“They’re saying this will be the most popular toy for Christmas so many parents may think this is just another toy, but we want them to know how important it is to play safely with them,” said Reagan library spokeswoman Olga Badilla.

Dan Kupper, owner of a CHAOS Skateboarding store in Thousand Oaks, is helping sponsor the event, which will feature safety tips for kids and parents. The first 1,000 kids will get free helmets.

“Primarily it’s younger kids riding these scooters and they don’t have the information they need to ride them safely,” Kupper said. “If you’re going down a hill at any speed, your ability to stop or control them is very limited.”

In addition to safety demonstrations, there will be a barbecue at the library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. The barbecue is $5 per person, but children under 4 will be admitted free.

The safety demonstrations are free and will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (805) 522-2977.