Every year the Aspen Police Department sponsors a ‘Bicycle Rodeo’ for all of the second and third grade children at the Aspen Public Schools. This rewarding and fun event makes our young children aware of bicycle safety using instructors to make sure they have the riding and safety skills they need in an everyday riding environment. The day is broken down into different work stations that will emphasize different aspects of bicycle safety.
Station 1• The first stop is a helmet check. Making sure they have a properly fitting helmet is a key component to bicycle safety.• Through donations, if a child does not have a proper fitting helmet or does not have one, helmets are made available to them at no charge.
Station 2• Following the helmet fitting process, next is a safety check of the bicycle itself. Starting with the ABC’s of the bike check• Air in the tires to the proper inflation, brakes in proper working order including the hand brakes and finally the chain making sure it’s lubed and in working order• In addition to the ABC’s, items like seat height, bike bells, lights, cranks and handlebars are also checked for fitment and comfort.
Station 3• The skills tests are the final station making sure the kids have the tools they need to ride on our trails and roads. Some of the skills areas include figure 8’s, hand signals and turning, U turn, emergency stop and slow speed maneuvering. Spending time in a controlled environment in these areas are critical to giving the kids the skills they need in order to be a proficient rider.