Attention Kids! Test your bike safety knowledge at today’s Bike Rodeo!

By Casandra Turnbull

The Annual Bike Rodeo has been a longstanding tradition in town for more than 30 years. The fun event brings families together to show off their creatively decorated bicycles and learn a little bit about bike safety. It’s a fun yet valuable experience for children and it takes place next Saturday.

Hosted by The Paris Community Safety Group, the rodeo takes place today only (June 8th) at 10 am and runs until noon at the Syl Apps Community Centre parking lot.

The Paris Community Safety Group has organized the rodeo for over 10 years, taking the reins from the Paris Optimist Club who ran it for many years before them. This year’s rodeo is supported by the Brantford Safety Village, the Paris Optimist Club, the Brant County OPP, and Robin McNaughton from the Cooperators. McNaughton generously donates the new bicycle that is awarded to one lucky participant Last year’s winner was Franklin from Ayr.

The Paris Firefighters’ Club has donated funds to help organizers purchase bike safety items to hand out as prizes.

Several local organizations work hand in hand to offer this free event, all in the name of safety and public education.

“We feel that with the increased population and traffic it is necessary more than ever that our children learn to ride their bicycle safely. Our region is a hub for bike trails and it is important to start bicycle safety at an early age so that it is an enjoyable lifelong passion,” said Edith Stone, member of the Paris Community Safety Group.

Stone became involved in the local safety group when her children, now grown, were attending North Ward School. As the Home and School Chair she was instrumental in securing crossing guards to help the school children cross busy streets to get to school. The Paris Safety Community Group, called the ‘Community Policing’ group at that time, issued a letter of support to address County Council. That was the start of a connection that led to a couple decades (and counting) of community volunteerism.

Attention Kids! A Bike Rodeo, hosted by the Paris Community Safety Group is taking place today June 8th at Syl Apps Community Centre parking lot, starting at 10 am. Have some fun and learn about bike safety!

The bike rodeo is open to children ages four and up. No registration required just show up on the morning of the event with your decorated bike and be ready to navigate the course filled with various stations that test your skills and bike safety knowledge