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Left: A few years ago volunteer Kimber Wraalstad, the North Shore Health Hospital and Care Center Adminstrator/CEO, helped this little guy get through some tricky turns during the bike fair.
The Bike Safety Rodeo has become a much loved and anticipated annual event in Grand Marais, bringing families and children from across the county together to help kids learn how to bike safely. Each year this event is possible thanks to community volunteers; this year, we need you!
The 2022 Bike Safety Rodeo will be held on Thursday, May 12 from 3-5 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais (317 West 5th Street), rain or shine, inside the arena if inclement weather. This fun and educational event is sponsored by the local Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Committee. It is a great opportunity for children to get ready for spring and summer biking with a bike and helmet check, and bike safety education with a bike skills course. There are a variety of volunteer roles, and no prior biking knowledge or experience is needed to volunteer, as training is provided. From assisting with activities to being a course monitor, there is a lot of fun to be had while supporting our youth. Most volunteer roles do require standing for the duration of the event, but accommodations will be made whenever possible.
Above: Longtime Bike Rodeo volunteer Mark Spinler is shown here working on a bicycle for a youngster. Staff photos Brian Larsen
The Bike Safety Rodeo helps kids be safer bicyclists with a properly fit helmet, a checked bike, and by testing their ability on the skills course. All ages are welcome. Adults are strongly encouraged to accompany younger participants and all participants are required to have a signed permission slip.
The SRTS Committee works year-round to make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to and from school. Studies have found that physical activity, such as walking or biking to school, allows students to concentrate better during the school day. And while many students in our county do not live in Grand Marais, many walk or bike to an after-school destination in Grand Marais. Other local initiatives include Walk/Bike to School Days, Walk and Roll Wednesdays, Pedestrian Safety Enforcement events, in-school bike education, winter maintenance activities coordination, and many other initiatives.
To volunteer or for more information about Cook County Safe Routes to School (SRTS), contact Andrea Orest, at andrea.orest@co.cook.mn.us or 218-220-5536. Volunteers may also sign up online at www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4DAEAB2CA6FF2-2022.
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