Children will have the opportunity to learn about bicycle safety and the rules of the road during the fee Bike Rodeo May. 12. – Morinville News File Photo
by Stephen Dafoe
stephen@morinvillenews.com
A Bike Rodeo will take place at the Ray McDonald Sports Center parking lot May 12 at 6 p.m. The free event will run 90 minutes and offer children aged 6 to 12 an opportunity to get their spring and summer riding off on the right pedal.
The event is a partnership between the Town, Community Peace Officers, RCMP and Alberta Health Services, and will provide children with a variety of skills and the opportunity to put them into practice.
“Cyclists are vulnerable users of the roadway especially when they are children,” said Morinville Community Peace Officer Sergeant William Norton. “It is important that children know the rules of cycling and have the skills needed to ride a bike while interacting with vehicles and other users of the road.”
Norton said the May 12 event not only increases rider skills and rule knowledge but is another way to promote cycling and activity in youth.
“This is a great way to build positive relationships with youth all while delivering important safety messages,” he said.
The CPO Sergeant is hoping to see strong numbers of local children at the upcoming event.
“This is a fun event that allows children to expand their skills and learn the rules of cycling in an effort to keep them safer while they ride,” he said. “It is conducted in a safe manner in a closed course with the option of an officer supervised road portion. Children will leave the Bike Rodeo with a renewed enthusiasm for riding a bike and safer habit to go with it.”
Pre-registration is required by calling 780-939-7839. Children must bring their own bike helmets and parents must sign a waiver.
