On the last day in March, BWGI led Camden County kids in a Bike Rodeo with St. Marys Public Library for the first day of Spring Break. Our efforts were expanded through the integral support of our partner organizations. BWGI was joined by Go Georgia, Camden Cycling Club, Seventh Day Cycling, and Camden Bicycle Center.
Left to Right: Jeremy Cole (SDC), Tara (SMPL), [back] Bradley Hetlet (BWGI) and Murray Pounds (BWGI), [front] Cate Kreider (GG) and Eve Christy (BWGI), Tavel Cowan (BWGI), Terry Landreth (CBC), and Tyler and Carole Carpenter (CCC)
The bike rodeo was held at the St. Marys Aquatic Center parking lot where staff and volunteers set up a series of stations for riders to practice bike handling skills and improve their on-bike confidence. Programs like this bike rodeo help educate new riders on the “Rules of the Road”, as well as prepare them for situations they may encounter as cyclists in the future.
The young riders were first fitted with helmets by BWGI staff, and their bikes were checked to ensure each participant had equipment in good working condition before heading onto the course.
On the course, riders were coached through a series of stations where they learned important skills to exercise their agility: navigate around obstacles, react quickly and safely while riding, and adjust their speed to fit the conditions of the road.
The St. Marys PD stopped by to check out the event and show off some skills of their own.
After successful completion of the program, BWGI provided each rider with a Smart Cycling Guide for Kids and outfitted their bike with red rear lights as needed. BWGI is able to provide free equipment, educational programs, materials, and on-bike workshops like this bike rodeo through the support of our grants and financial backers.
To learn more about this event, check out the video linked below:
BWGI Executive Director Tavel Cowan and Go Georgia Safety Education Programs Specialist Cate Kreider were interviewed by the City of St. Marys, GA at the event. >> Link to Facebook Video <<
All images credited to the City of St. Marys except for the group photo at the beginning of this article.
