COLUMBIA —Fifth graders across the state have a chance to win a bike in a state wide contest to promote the healthy effects of bike riding.

The South Carolina Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Resource Center is partnering with Saris Cycling Group (SCG), a manufacturer of bicycle racks and cycling training products, to launch a poster contest to get fifth graders to think about the benefits of the bicycle. The contest asks fifth grade students to create a poster around the theme “Bicycling makes life better.” The purpose of the contest promotes bicycle riding for youths for a healthy lifestyle.

One winner will be selected from each state to receive a bike, bike light, and helmet. One national winner will win a trip to the 2014 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., and their school will receive bicycle parking to park 20 bikes and a bike/walk tracking system called The Hub.

“The contest provides a fun activity to get students excited about learning and provides teachers a creative way to introduce healthy living concepts,” said SCG Advocacy Coordinator Heather Fortune. “This is a great way to encourage fifth graders to simply think about the places a bike can take them, for fun or for transportation.”

To learn more about the SCG Poster Contest or to participate contact Nicole Brown, Nicole@SCSafeRoutes.org or Carolyn Battaglia, Carolyn@SCSafeRoutes.org. Also visit www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest.

The top three submissions across the stat will be determined by a selection panel. State-wide voting is between April 8-17. First place wins a bicycle, helmet and light; second place wins a helmet and light and third place wins a helmet.

More information and rules may be found on the website at www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest or contact Heather Fortune at hfortune@saris.com.

About Saris Cycling Group

Saris Cycling Group, Inc. is located in Madison, Wis. and they are an industry leader committed to bicycle advocacy and manufactures Saris Car Racks, Saris Parking and Storage Solutions, CycleOps PowerTap, and CycleOps Trainers. For more information, visit www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest.

About the South Carolina Safe Routes to School Resource Center

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) brings together parents, schools, and community leaders to encourage students, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school. SRTS activities and resources focus on improving walking and biking conditions around schools while building healthy habits and safety skills. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has created the Safe Routes to School Resource Center to help schools, school districts, and communities throughout South Carolina to build and sustain SRTS programs. Partners of the Resource Center receive technical assistance and program support at no cost. Learn more at www.SCSafeRoutes.org.