The bike safety rodeo that will be held on Thursday, May 24, is a great place for kids to get their bikes fixed and to learn the rules of the road. Local volunteers check bikes and helmets and kids are put through an obstacle training course with people giving them instructions on how to turn and which hand to use to designate the direction of their turn. Not only is it instructional, it’s also a load of family fun.
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 and this year, we need you! Over 20 volunteers are needed to make this event happen, and there are still many roles available.
The 2018 Bike Safety Rodeo will be held on Thursday, May 24, 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 Committee. It is an excellent 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. From assisting with the blender bike to make smoothies 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.
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 (sent home with the schools the week before the rodeo or available at sawtoothmountainclinic.org/ event/annual-bike-safety-rodeo/).
The Safe Routes to School 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 afterschool destination in Grand Marais. Other local initiatives include Walk/ Bike to School Days, Pedestrian Safety Enforcement events (May 15 and 17 in Grand Marais and Grand Portage), 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 SRTS Coordinator, Maren Webb, at maren@sawtoothmountainclinic.org or 218- 387-2330. Volunteers may also sign up online at www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f4fa5a62fa3fb6-bike.
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