INNISFAIL – There’s more to riding a bike than peddling.
Close to 60 kids and their families learned all about bike safety during the Innisfail Bike Rodeo on June 1.
The event, first held in 2013 but later discontinued, was resurrected by the Innisfail Public Library and RCMP. It was held in the parking lot at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.
On hand to help with the event were members of the Innisfail Fire Department, local EMS and community peace officers.
"It's a beautiful day; the weather is good," said Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson. "A big part of this bike rodeo is trying to instill some safety in our kids. Encouraging them to wear helmets, ensuring their bikes are ready to ride, and there's air in their tires.
"We’re also talking to them about hand signals and road safety,” he added. "Once all that is done then we put them on bikes and we do an obstacle course where they have to learn about balance, about stopping, about riding on gravel and riding on pavement.
"I think (the bike rodeo) was really well attended and we're really happy with that," added Nelson.
Tara Downs, new manager at the public library, said she received some positive feedback about the bike rodeo.
"I think it's a really good, community resource to ensure our kids are safe (on their bikes) going into summer," said Downs. "There's a lot to riding a bike. It's not just hopping on the seat and peddling."
In addition to the bike rodeo, visitors enjoyed a barbecue and learned about bike safety and security from the Central Alberta Crime Prevention organization from Red Deer.
"They came to set up a table with bike safety (and bike security) information," said Downs. "They have an app where you can register your serial number. If you're buying a bike online you can look to see if that serial number is there.”
Downs said they plan to continue with the resurrected Innisfail Bike Rodeo.
"We are absolutely going to make this an annual event,” said Downs. “It's an important event for kids.”
