BICYCLE RODEO
BICYCLE RODEOA recent survey indicated that there are more than 100 million people riding bicycles in the U.S. and Canada. Half of the bicyclists are 14 years old and younger, and 70 percent of all bicycling accidents involve children between five and 14 years of age.
The Oakridge Optimist bike rodeo involves a safety rally or clinic to increase youth awareness of safer cycling, safer bicycles and safe riders. The event is held in the spring to gear up for children doing a lot of bike riding on their summer vacation.
Bikes are registered with the help of the London City Police Department. The registration information includes a description (colour, manufacturer, style, etc.), serial number, owner's name, address and phone number.
Bicycling helmets are inspected to ensure that the right size helmet is used. Sizing pads are recommended where necessary. Straps are adjusted for a proper fit. All helmets should be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and contain a CSA sticker inside. Bicycles are inspected and any minor repairs or adjustments are done or recommended to make the bike safe. Ancillary safety devices such as reflectors, lights, horn are also inspected.
A lane three feet wide is marked out and the rider must stay within the lane for a distance of 50 feet. Two concentric circles with diameters of 12 and 16 feet are marked out and the riders have to stay within a two feet circle. Manouvering around obstacles (pylons), braking, steering and proper turn signals are also tested.
Winners of the bicycle rodeo go on to compete in the Optimist Zone 9 Bicycle Rodeo with the winners of other Zone 9 Optimist Club competitions.
For further information, please contact:
EMAIL: oakridge@execulink.com
Peter Hegler
76 Hartson Road
London, Ontario
N6H 3S8
(519) 471-4928
or leave message at (519) 473-4028