Mark Spinler was one of several bicycle mechanics who earnestly and diligently worked to make sure kids bicycles were safe to ride this summer. Spinler has helped at the Bike Rodeo for more years than you can count, and judging by the smile on his face, he still enjoys helping the kids. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
What started as a cold, gloomy, foggy, wet Thursday, 23rd of May morning blossomed into a beautiful, warm sunny afternoon, just in time for the annual Bike Safety Rodeo.
And boy were the kids happy! Parents too. Helpers as well.
Held at the Cook County community center parking lot, the Bike Safety Rodeo is a chance for kids to get their bikes inspected by friendly bike mechanics before the summer season gets rolling. The mechanics correct loose or too tight chains, fix brakes, air up tires down from a long cold winter of storage, check out the handlebars and all elements of a kid’s bike to make sure it is safe to ride.
Once the bike passed inspection, the kids took a turn on the figure eight bike skills course. Several local police officers were on hand, as well as volunteers, teaching kids how to use hand signals when they make turns, and to make sure to stop at stop signs. When the kids passed the obstacle course, they received a certificate.
All of the children, who were 12 and under, were encouraged to bring their bike helmets so they could be appropriately fitted. If a child had outgrown his or her helmet, or if they didn’t have a helmet, they received a brand new one compliments of Operation Round-Up and the Fireweed Bike Co-op.
A lot of kids went home wearing spiffy new bike helmets.
Throughout the afternoon the most popular destination was the table with free hot dogs fresh off of the grill and the smoothie station next to it.
All told 79 kids took part in the rodeo. Counting siblings, parents, relatives, and friends, there were at least several hundred people milling about, enjoying the beautiful weather and happy children.
The event is sponsored by the Safe Routes to School Committee.
Event organizer, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) coordinator, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Andrea Orest was happy with the way the day turned out.
“My 2 cents: The event was amazing thanks to a supportive community and wonderful volunteers! If any children were unable to attend and need a bike helmet, contact me at andrea@sawtoothmountainclinic.org.”
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