The City of Aurora’s Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Authority Board announced on April 24 that it will host a free Children’s Bike Rodeo on Saturday, April 25.
The event is organized in partnership with Resurrection Lutheran Church & School and will focus on bike safety through an interactive riding course. Children from pre-school through eighth grade are invited to participate. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will need to complete a waiver for participation.
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Board develops public facilities for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit activities in Aurora. The board also promotes the use of walking and biking trails by hosting activities that encourage responsible biking habits.
During the event, young riders will learn about proper helmet fit, yielding practice, safe starts and stops, as well as obstacle avoidance. Dave Horner, Vice Chair of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Authority Board in Aurora said that building children’s confidence in biking is essential. “It’s important we help children process and practice the fundamentals…teach them to stay alert, look around, communicate, and always be cautious around vehicles,” Horner said.
The event is expected to have close to 75 children participating. Organizers hope it will boost children’s confidence in their biking skills while improving spatial awareness and agility. The rodeo includes controlled routes designed to challenge young riders safely.
Horner said that whether kids ride to the park or school or visit friends’ houses by bike, this event aims to help them become independent cyclists. He added there is hope that Aurora could become “the next bicycle capital of Illinois.” The Children’s Bike Rodeo takes place Saturday from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. at 2567 West Sullivan Road in Aurora.
