Children in the Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Head Start program pedaled their way through Rocket Park on Tuesday for a good cause.

Fourteen children, ages 4-5, participated in the St. Jude’s Trike-A-Thon to raise money to benefit children in need.

The Head Start students watched a video about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, learned about helping others and took donations for the Trike-A-Thon.

Along with raising money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the students were visited by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Department.

Trooper Steve Nabors was on hand to speak to the students about bike safety. With first hand experience working at the scenes of bicycle accidents, Nabors understands the importance of teaching bicycle safety at an early age.

“You can never start too early,” said Nabors.

He taught students that bicyclists are responsible for obeying certain traffic laws along with motorists and explained that bicyclists can also be issued citations.

Nabors instructed students to always ride with traffic, not against it. Nabors also stressed the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle and having parents present while riding.

“Never be unattended on a bicycle at this age,” said Nabors.

After learning about safety, SOSU Head Start students were able to start riding around Rocket Park.

“We let them go as many times as they can make it,” said Cathey Keirsey, Head Start teacher.

After a picnic and many laps around the park, the Head Start students returned to the classroom and quickly participated in nap time.