Bicycle Rodeo Planned for May 4

The American Legion Post 414 will host a bicycle safety event “Bicycle Rodeo” for children in first grade through fifth grade May 4 from 9 a.m. until noon near the downtown gazebo.

Chris Garcia petitioned his request for the bicycle rodeo to Olney City Council members April 8. He said, “Everything is coming along perfectly, and hopefully there will not be any snags at the next council meeting, so they can vote to allow us to use that area on N. Grand next to the Gazebo.”

Council members appeared to be receptive of the idea, and Garcia does not expect any issues to arise and is focused on partnering with the Olney Police Department. “We would like to have the Local Police and Fire Department on hand to help give their feedback on bicycle safety as well,” Garcia said.

The event is designed as a resource for young cyclers to learn basic skills that are necessary when riding their bikes around town. Included in the instruction is bicycle safety checks such as proper fit, reflectors and how to fit the helmet. Also, participants will learn various hand signals, street signs and proper bicycle laws.

There will be several practice stations such as “bike and helmet check, using hand signals to navigate, proper safety for crossing streets, where to ride and at the last station, participants can test their knowledge of what they have learned.

Garcia said, “Participants who complete all stations will be entered into drawings for the give-aways.” The giveaways include bicycles, helmets and other bicycle related items. “Our goal is to have four bikes to give away—two smaller bikes for a boy and girl and two larger bikes for a boy and girl. We also want to have several helmets available as giveaways as well.”

Now is the time for local businesses and individuals to reach out to Chris Garcia and Michelle Welsh to offer support through monetary and in-kind donations. So far, they have raised a few dollars, but are still in need of additional community support to ensure the success of the event.

Tower employees Welsh and Garcia are leading this effort through the local Legion post. They said to contact them at 940-564-5681, chris.garcia@towerextrusion.com or michelle. welsh@towerextrusion.com with any questions, ideas or donations. “We are both Veterans and parents of children, so this is something important to us,” Garcia said.