The rodeo will be part of a big day for bicyclists at Birkdale Village, as the popular decorated children’s bike and trike parade — a Birkdale Village Independence Day tradition — begins at 11:45 a.m.
The rodeo is supported by the Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department and Birkdale Village. Volunteers from the Greenway Commission and the Huntersville Police Department teach young riders hand signals and how to negotiate the mildly challenging course using safe riding techniques. Prizes provided by local merchants will be given to young riders who “pass the test.” Drawings also will be held for prizes for parents who bring their children to the event, then sign up themselves to engage in learning safe riding techniques.
Staff from the Carolina Bicycle Company in Huntersville will be on site to give free bike equipment safety checks during the event and pass out flyers for discounted youth bike helmets and bike safety maintenance service at the store. A tent offering maps, brochures and information about local greenways and regional trails under development will be located adjacent to the safety course. Visitors can get details on family-friendly places to ride and chat with trail representatives for tips on biking resources in the region.
“We see so many youngsters out riding who aren’t wearing helmets (a state law for 16 and younger) and who aren’t paying much attention to their surroundings when riding,” says Melinda Bales, chairman of the Greenway Commission. “Schools let out for the summer and ...this sudden blend of kids on bikes and inattentive auto drivers not used to bikes in the traffic mix can be very risky. We’re trying to reduce the number of car-bike accidents.”
Gene DiMenna, owner of Carolina Bicycle Company, has been working with Huntersvilletown officials to investigate ways to provide road signs for safer back road and off-road bike routes that can invite more riders.
“Kids learn best from their parents how to ride carefully, so we hope to see more families out learning, practicing and enjoying safe biking together,” says DiMenna. “We want to help make that happen and prevent accidents.”
