By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

The Greystone YMCA hosted a “Bike Rodeo” on Nov. 9 to raise bicycle safety awareness for parents and children.

The event was held in conjunction with the Alabama Bicycling Coalition, or AlaBike, and sought to teach the 20 riders in attendance about the importance of safety while riding as well as bicycle control.

Event organizer Mary Rosser said she felt the event was a success.

“I think we reached some kids,” she said. “I think they learned something as far as bike control. We had a kid that didn’t ride and had a volunteer work with him. (By the end) he had him pedaling a little on his own.”
Those who attended the rodeo were given the opportunity to learn more about riding by moving through several stations along a course emphasizing bike handling skills.

At the individual stations, riders were taught the proper technique on riding in traffic, were treated to a bicycle inspection from Cahaba Cycle and participated in a “slow race,” where riders had to maintain a slow pace while keeping control of their bikes.

Rosser said she felt the rodeo was necessary for children learning how to ride in high traffic areas.

“Kids have a lot more to look out for,” she said. “There’s more people out there, more cars. I think the parents that came out learned controlling the bike is a big part of avoiding accidents.”

After the stations were completed, riders were treated to refreshments as well as prizes that included T-shirts, water bottles and bike speedometers.

All who attended were given a free helmet and received a certificate of completion, coloring and activity books.

While a helpful service, Rosser said there were other resources for riders looking to learn more about safe biking.

“The cycling community is really helpful,” she said. “AlaBike is a good contact point. Any of the local bike shops are good about (helping).”