Learning to ride a bike is an important milestone in a child’s life. Learning to ride a bike safely is even more important.
For the past 25 years, the Rotary Club of Powell River has conducted a Bike Safety Rodeo for youngsters aged five to 12 years old.
This year’s event kicks off Bike To Work Week on Sunday, May 27, according to Ed Frausel, a Rotarian and coordinator for the rodeo.
“There is a change of location to First Credit Union’s parking lot,” he said.
Beginning at 10 am, the rodeo runs until 2 pm and includes maintenance tips such as ensuring brakes are working properly. Members of Powell River Cycling Association are partnering with Rotary.
“They have an obstacle course that is fun for the kids to navigate,” said Frausel.
Another course with several stations is set up and participants work through them all, developing or enhancing safety skills by moving around cones, riding between lines and coming to a stop sign where they learn hand signals for turning right or left.
Businesses and individuals donate prizes that include 13 bikes, 18 helmets and stainless-steel water bottles.
“Rotarians also will be cooking up hot dogs and providing water juice and pop,” said Frausel, “and it’s all free.”
Frausel visited all the elementary schools in the district to ensure students are aware of the rodeo date.
“Schools send out newsletters by email to parents so we hope to have a good turnout, as we have had in the past,” he added.
Rotary is an international service organization with 1.2 million members worldwide, including two clubs in Powell River.
