Cloudy skies and light drizzle did not dampen spirits at the second annual Bike Rodeo, held last Thursday, in the West Elementary parking lot for approximately 100 third graders. Sponsored by Indee-Go Healthy and the First Presbyterian Community Life Committee, event concentration was on bike safety, while encouraging youngsters to increase time spent riding bikes to school and around town. The rodeo featured bicycle registration, bike safety, bike inspection, a bike helmet check and a bike agility course.
Five bicycles were given to youngsters who didn’t have access to a bike, and 45 free helmets were given away as well, to children without helmets.
The rodeo was made possible through assistance and in-kind support provided by volunteers from West Elementary School, the Independence Police Department, Hardware Hank, The Iowa Bike Coalition, Area Ambulance, Four Seasons Trail Association, BCHC’s Therapy and Wellness Connection, and the Bicycle Safety Panel.