Just in time for cycling weather, Shaler-Hampton EMS is coordinating with local police to offer a bike rodeo for area youth.
The event is free for anyone from teens to toddlers on training wheels. It will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 22 at Kiwanis Park along Meyer Lane in Shaler.
It is being hosted along with Shaler, Etna and Millvale police departments.
“We encourage all of our young riders to wear their helmet and to be cautious when riding on our neighborhood streets,” Shaler Officer Dennis Gapsky III said.
“We will be educating our young riders on the rules of the road, bicycle maneuvering and limitations on stopping when the roadway is wet.”
In its 13th year, the bike rodeo typically draws around 200 children, EMS Executive Director Eric Schmidt said.
The event was canceled last year because of covid-19 concerns but organizers said they are eager to get back at it.
“It is a very well-attended event,” Schmidt said. “Given the recent relaxing of the CDC masking guidelines for outdoor events, this is a perfect event at a perfect time, and we really hope that families take advantage to come out and learn about and practice bicycle safety.”
Participants can get their helmet checked by EMS staff to make sure it fits property, and some might even get a complimentary new helmet if needed.
Billed as a safety event, there is plenty of fun for the kids, too.
Gapsky and other officers in the past have taught young riders the rules of the road by using an obstacle course adapted by a local Cub Scout troop.
The activity focuses on weaving, maneuvering with short-radius turns and stopping short.
“We believe that this is an important event to promote bicycle safety and to educate our younger riders so that the chances of them being involved in a bicycle related incident/accident are minimalized,” Gapsky said.
Previous rodeos have featured refreshments and bike raffles. Plans for this year’s event are still being finalized.
