Bike Rodeo teaches kid riders about safety
An estimated 150 children gathered at Pasemann Elementary School late last month to “stirrup” some fun at the second Youth Safety Bike Rodeo.
The March 22 Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, Taylor Independent School District and many other local organizations and businesses, focused primarily on elementary to middle school children, though all ages could attend.
While the rodeo featured wheels instead of hooves, Betsy Schultz, Parks and Recreation superintendent, said, “The overall goal of the Bike Rodeo is to promote the joy of bike riding while doing so safely. It’s an opportunity for children and their parents to share a wonderful, lifelong activity together.”
Each family that attended also received a flyer containing road rules. Flags from the
Children and family members prepared to ride through the trail at Youth Safety Bike Rodeo.
Photos courtesy of Taylor Parks and Recreation Department “Riding for Ryan” program were provided by Baylor Scott & White Health to attach to children’s bicycles to aid in their visibility while riding on the road.
The “Riding for Ryan” campaign run by a West Michigan nonprofit promotes cycling awareness. It’s named for a 7-year-old boy who did not survive a June 13, 2019, bicycle-truck accident, officials said.
Volunteers at Pasemann conducted helmet and bike checks, ensuring the headgear fit correctly, tires were properly inflated and bike parts worked as they should.
Helpers also showed children how to inspect their own bikes and instructed them on the importance of always wearing helmets.
The Texas Department of Transportation donated more than 120 helmets free of charge.
Children flocked to tables so they could decorate and individualize the protective headgear with markers and stickers.
Once the children’s bikes and helmets passed a safety check, the young riders charted an obstacle course under the direction Williamson County Precinct 4 deputy constables and school resource officers.
Cyclists on the course learned to recognize and follow road signs.
Volunteers also guided bikers on a trail ride, while emphasizing hand signals for the road.
Schultz said the Bike Rodeo gave children a better understanding of traffic rules, hand signals and safe riding behaviors.
The obstacle course and trail ride helped to improve children’s bike riding skills, she added.
“Riding bikes is a treasured pastime that the majority of us grew up doing. It’s a lifelong activity with benefits ranging from physical fitness, boosting confidence and independence, to just having fun,” Schultz said.
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“The overall goal of the Bike Rodeo is to promote the joy of bike riding while doing so safely.”
— Betsy Schultz, Taylor Parks and Recreation Department
