Bicycle Rodeo
What: Bicycle instruction, activities for youths in grades K-5
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 18
Where: Helen Haller School bus lot, Fir Street
More info: 405-570-5883 or NWbikerlady@gmail.com
The Olympic Peninsula Bicycle Alliance hosts the group’s second Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 18, an activity designed for youths in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The goal of the Bicycle Rodeo, held at the Helen Haller School bus lot on Fir Street, is to help instruct area youth in the safe operation of their bicycles as well as equipping their parents with some basic tools to help keep the youths safe, organizers say.
“We want kids and youth to have fun,” event director Jeanie Robards said. “We want them to keep riding after the Bike Rodeo. All interactions with participants should leave kids feeling proud of their efforts and empower them to try more difficult things. This is more than a bike lesson — it’s a life lesson.”
A “fun event with a serious purpose,” the bicycle rodeo begins with a safety inspection. Participants’ bicycles are inspected and adjusted by area bicycle shop experts and helmets are fitted properly.
Once cleared, riders maneuver their bikes through a series of skill and safety events such as safe bike handling, safe riding on streets and sidewalks, and signaling and awareness of their environment — all in a controlled environment and under the guidance of skilled area cyclists.
Safe handling tasks are included in a fun and instructive way, organizers say, and parents may observe their child’s performance from the sidelines. There are rewards for successful completion of the course and safety instruction and handouts for the parents.
Parents must accompany their children and sign a release form in order for them to participate. Children should wear a bicycle helmet and be able to ride their bicycles when they arrive. Training wheels are allowed.
“Enjoying cycling safely helps to protect our youth and enhances their cycling experience,” event organizers said in a press release.
It takes more than 50 volunteers to conduct a Bike Rodeo. To volunteer or for more information about the event, contact Robards at 405-570-5883 or NWbiker lady@gmail.com.
Sponsors include Sequim Bike Works, Pedego Electronic Bikes, Ben’s Bikes, the Olympic Peninsula Bike Alliance and REI Co-op.
The mission of the Olympic Peninsula Bicycle Alliance is to meet the needs and serve the interests of cyclists on the Olympic Peninsula. OPBA is a nonprofit organization working with government, businesses and individuals to enhance bicycle safety and promote the Olympic Peninsula as a premier cycling destination.
