Bicycle safety will be the theme on Saturday, May 2, for the McDonald’s Bike Rodeo at the Canadian Tire parking lot.
All children who can ride tricycles or bicycles are encouraged to attend the event, which runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Participants are asked to bring their bike helmet along and you must register for the free program.
This year the bike rodeo committee is teaming up with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society who, in partnership with Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed, is offering ‘bikes for all.’
Anyone needing a bicycle can call the Conservation Society at 250-398-7929 and ask for Mary Forbes.
The Bike Rodeo promotes safe bicycle riding habits which will, in turn, reduce accidents involving children. The event offers many interactive activities for children.
“As more people start riding their bikes it is important to remind riders that safety and awareness are critical,” said safer communities co-ordinator Dave Dickson. “Parents should always wear a helmet as it shows children through example that you should never ride your bicycle without one.”
A course with a series of eight safety stations will give children the opportunity to learn correct riding skills.
A safety inspection of the bicycle is the first stop on the course.
Professionals will also check the child’s bike helmet to make sure it fits well and is being worn properly.
“Children suffer injuries doing wheeled activities because of a combination of factors that most commonly include inexperience, loss of control, lack of traffic safety skills, high speed and the tendency to attempt stunts,” the Safe Kids canada website states.
The remaining bike safety stations will focus on riding techniques and skills.
Children will be asked to ride through established courses of figure eights, circles and parallel lines.
The emphasis for children at the event is to learn how to control their bike.
To register or for more information call Denise Skarra or Suzanne Cochrane at the Cariboo Memorial Complex at 250-398-7665.