Bike rodeos
Bicycle rodeos have been an integral part of the lead up to Bike and Walk to School Week since 2007. The regional smartTRIPS program and School District 23 host bike rodeos at local schools - typically 12 per year. Rodeos are coordinated by the Regional Traffic Safety Officer, Dave Gibson with the goal of equipping youth with skills and knowledge needed to begin their life on two wheels.
Youth learn basic rules of the road, hand signals, obstacle avoidance and scanning techniques all on a fun course. Each child is provided with an information sheet to take home to share with their families. Rodeos are intended only as an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to be a confident, safe cyclist.
Students in grades two through to five participate on bike or by walking the course. Grade six students serve as leaders, assisting the younger students throughout the course and providing encouragement. Schools are contacted in the late winter to book rodeos forspring in the weeks leading up to Bike and Walk to School Week. There are a limited number of rodeos provided annually so, teachers...book quickly!
smartTRIPS recommends the following resources for parents and educators to further prepare children for regular cycling to and from school:
ICBC Bike Smarts
Bike Sense BC
PHE - Guide to Ride
KDSC Kids Cycling Camps
Bike Right Initiative
“Thank you for the amazing Bike Rodeo day at GPE. We are so fortunate to have you working with our schools. I so appreciate all you have done for us. The children and parents had a wonderful day.”
Michelle Kaupp, Vice-principal at George Pringle Elementary
2017
Supported by our great local bike shops, this year 11 Central Okanagan schools received bicycle rodeos. In total,2,062 youth took part and learned new cycling skills!
Participating schools:
Peter Greer Elementary | Springvalley Elementary | Rutland Elementary | Peachland Elementary |
North Glenmore Elementary | South Kelowna Elementary | Belgo Elementary | Oyama Elementary |
Glenrosa Elementary | Rose Valley Elementary | Hudson Rd Elementary |
Check out this great Shaw TV piece showcasing the 2016 Glenmore Elementary School Rodeo!
Bike Rodeos are held every year at schools within School District #23. To learn more contact the smartTRIPS Regional Traffic Safety Officer Dan Glasscock.