Bicycling is a big part of almost every child’s life and can be done just about anywhere. Bicycling keeps kids active, it can be very social, and it helps to build community. However, there are many issues that arise when it comes to children on bikes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2001, children 15 years and younger accounted for 59 percent of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments.” Therefore, for a truly successful introduction to biking, it is important that children first learn about bicycle safety and the rules of the road.Paul Schimek of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center states that “the single most important activity for bicycle planners is . . . to teach [bicyclists] basic skills.” He maintains that everyone should have some sort of instruction in technique and safety precautions in order to be safe. Once people are given the proper skills to ride, they will be able to “overcome any fears about riding in traffic.”One way to help acquaint children with the rules of biking is to hold a Bicycle Rodeo. These rodeos are held each year in towns and cities across the country and are touted as youth safety education events that have the added benefit of community building. A rodeo usually involves:
- Local Police
- Fire Department
- EMS
- Public Officials/Community Leaders
- Families
- Educators
- Department of Transportation
A rodeo is typically held during one of the first weekends of summer. Some are offered as a one-day “crash” course while others are extended over multiple weeks in order for youth to practice and improve their skills under a watchful eye. Rodeos are generally held in a parking lot or other large open space where there is no traffic. On-road training can be offered as well. Rodeos can be organized by the local government, a bike shop, or any interested party.
Each event usually contains one or more of these elements:
Bike Safety Clinic – The clinic gives those in the know an outlet to dispense safety information that young bikers should understand before hitting the streets. This can be done by using demonstrations, hosting discussions, and/or showing videos.
Helmet Check – This is an opportunity to introduce kids to many different types of helmets and the proper way to wear them. Some towns even provide free helmets to ensure that every child is safe.
Lessons – Some rodeos offer lessons to beginners. There can be a training wheel removal celebration where training wheels are removed and children are ceremonially guided onto the next level of biking.
Obstacle Course – Usually a chalk-drawn track is used to provide kids with a training course to practice skills and demonstrate their knowledge of the rules of the road. This course is full of mock obstacles and safety hazards. Youngsters are led through the course by an adult who explains what riders are supposed to do at each area. Usually this is the hit of the rodeo.
Other ideas
Bike Tune-Up Station – Local bike shops can provide their services for the day by checking over all the bikes at the rodeo. They can make on-the-spot minor repairs and/or suggest items to be repaired in the future.
Commercial Booths – Local shops and vendors can set up booths to introduce youth and their families to new products and available services.
Races – Short race courses can be set up and awards . presented for the fastest, and also the safest, riders.
Demonstration Areas – Professional bicyclists can come in and show off their skills as well as the protective gear they wear while riding.
Games – Trivia contests can be used to assess what the children have learned.
Award Ceremony – Each participant should receive a certificate of completion in a ceremony at the end of the day or course.
Preliminary Events – Local law enforcement can go into schools before the event and discuss bike safety in a classroom setting
On-Road Training – Advanced riders can be accompanied by an adult on the road for a first hand experience with the rules and safety issues.
Off-Road Course – For those interested in progressing to mountain biking, set up a short course in a wooded area
to demonstrate the extra care needed while riding on dangerous terrain.
Bike Parade – Children can decorate their bikes at the rodeo and show them off in a bike parade.
In addition to teaching bicycle safety, another benefit of a bike rodeo is the opportunity for parents to mingle with their neighbors, helping to build community cohesion. There can be sign-ups for parents to start up a bike riding adventure club. Plus, people get to meet their local officials and law enforcement, which helps everyone feel safer in their communities. Parents can also get involved in the events and teach the youth a thing or two.
Events are usually sponsored by local organizations including retail outlets, hospitals, public entities or private institutions. Donations of equipment and food are often easy to acquire. Local groups can set up stands to sell food in order to fund raise for their own cause.
BIKE RODEOS
In New Jersey, many towns already hold rodeos. Below is a list of some of those towns, interesting ideas used by each town and the sponsors of their events.
| Town |
Interesting Ideas
|
Sponsor
|
| Ewing |
prize raffle, tie in with skate board safety
|
local law firm
|
| Fort Monmouth |
free helmets
|
local hospital
|
| Newark |
prize raffle, free t-shirt
|
UMDNJ
|
| Hillsborough |
conducted as part of community policing efforts
|
local bike shop
ShopRite
Wal-Mart
|
| South River |
free food
free helmets
from a donor
stunt riding competition
|
local fire department
|
| Fairlawn |
reduced cost helmets
|
State Farm Insurance
|
Benefits
- Educates youth on road safety
- Inspires youth to get out of the house and ride
- Encourages an active lifestyle
- Builds community
- Boosts consumer knowledge and can help economy
- Fosters interaction between groups who may not otherwise meet
Resources
www.bicyclinglife.com/SafetySkills/BicycleRodeo.htm
Tips on running a successful rodeo. Also, an easy to do obstacle course design is provided
http://www.bicyclinglife.com/SafetySkills/BicycleRodeo.htm
Ideas for the set up and flow of a bike rodeo
www.sctransit.com/bikesafe/kidsrodeo.htm
Tips plus ideas for an equipment kit that you can offer to anyone who wants to hold a rodeo
http://www.usa.safekids.org/index.cfm
Campaign to reduce accidental injuries including those involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Links to state and local coalitions and events
Contact
SAFE KIDS New Jersey
One Johnson & Johnson Plaza – WH-1305
New Brunswick, NJ 08933
Phone: (732) 524-3864
Reference
Safe Kids USA is a member of Safe Kids Wolrdwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. |
