In celebration of the fifth year of the Bicycle Rodeo the city is bringing The Purple Pirate to Williams Lake.
The 40-minute show will be filled with comedy, magic and lots of audience participation, said Suzanne Cochrane, the city’s recreation programmer. The Purple Pirate teaches some rules of the road, helmet safety, and simple ways to be safe while having fun on a bicycle. The Bicycle Safety Magic Show will be in the Gibraltar Room on Friday, April 29. Tickets are $2 each and are available at the complex.
Following the performance the McDonald’s Bicycle Rodeo will be on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Parking Lot. All children who can ride tricycles or bicycles are encouraged to attend. Bring your bicycle and helmet along. You must register for this free program. Call the Cariboo Memorial Complex at 250-398-7665.
The Bike Rodeo promotes safe bicycle riding habits which will reduce accidents involving children. The event is free and 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. Parents should always wear a helmet as it shows children through example that you should never ride your bicycle without one,” said Dave Dickson, manager of Community Safety.
A course with a series of eight safety stations will give children the opportunity to learn correct riding skills. The emphasis for children at this event is to learn how to control their bicycle. 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.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, in partnership with Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed will be on site with their bikes for all program.
Anyone needing a used bicycle or wanting to donate one can call the Conservation Society at 250-398-7929 and ask for Mary Forbes.
Canadian Tire will be having a draw for a brand new bike to one lucky participant in the bicycle rodeo.
Contact Suzanne Cochrane or Denise Skarra at 250-398-7665 for more information or visit activewilliamslake.com.