INNISFAIL -- The Bike Rodeo is being resurrected.
After a few years' hiatus the event, a community policing project by the Innisfail RCMP in partnership with the Innisfail Public Library, will be the scene for young freewheelers at the parking lot of the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on June 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Co-op Food Store in Innisfail is providing hotdogs for the event, which will be held "rain or shine," said Tara Downs, the new manager of the library.
"We want to try to encourage everyone to come out," said Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson, adding members of the Innisfail Fire Department and Medavie ambulance will be assisting at the Bike Rodeo, along with local community peace officers. "It's nice to refresh rules and laws for the kids."
He said the event, which will feature a challenging outdoor safety obstacle course, will focus on safety for young riders. Kids will also have an opportunity to work on steering and balance. As well they will be taught how to be properly equipped when on a bicycle, especially with helmets, and how to use hand signals. The young riders, along with their parents, will become aware of provincial bicycle laws, which have prohibitions on riding without appropriate headgear that can lead to fines.
Downs said the return of the Bike Rodeo, which initially started in 2013, was made possible after she talked to Nelson last fall during a series of security-based talks with teens and seniors.
"There wasn't consistent programming probably for about three years since the last Bike Rodeo," she said, noting Nelson has done an "incredible amount" of preparatory work to resurrect the event. "I wanted to try last year but I didn't start (at the library) until July, so it wasn't an option."
Downs also noted the event is not just a safety and education event for kids. She said there is a health component that is beneficial for all citizens.
"Biking is an opportunity for families to get together," she said.
For more information on the Bike Rodeo call Downs at the library at 403-227-4407.
