The Durant Sustainability Coalition and Durant Trails & Open Space teamed up on May 16 to host a Bike Rodeo at Alliance Health. DSC said this was a fun, hands-on event packed with everything young cyclists need to ride safe and ride smart.
Partners were Alliance-Health, Durant Rotary Club, Bike Oklahoma and Southeastern Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SERTPO.)
The 12-station course taught young riders the importance of bike safety, helmet fitting and bike adjustments plus skills to promote obstacle avoidance, hand signals, blind corners and more.
Jeremy Spence, DSC board chair, said the entities decided to partner for a safety skills course for children ages third through sixth grade.
“We couldn’t think of a better time of year than right before summer and all these kids are going to be out on bikes riding in the streets, riding to parks and so what a great time to have a safety skills refresher,” Spence said.
He said more than 60 helmets were given away.
“So, even if they’ve already got a bike, we’re going to make sure they’ve got a new helmet,” Spence said. “Make sure that they understand how to wear it. How to get through the streets safely.”
Bicycles were given away as well, according to Spence.
“What a great way for kids to start their summer,” Spence said. “New bikes, new helmets and a new sense of understanding of the rules of the road and how to get around town safely so they can go have fun in our local parks.”
