Two Bike Rodeos Come to Vienna This Weekend

Ahead of National Bike to School Day and two bike rodeos are coming to town to make sure kids know how to stay safe on the road.

On Saturday, the Vienna Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) and Vienna Police Department will host the 2nd Annual W&OD Safety and Bike Rodeo.

The event is scheduled for from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vienna Presbyterian Church.

Vienna police officers will help kids ages four and up learn all of the core skills to riding a bike, including braking, balancing and handling obstacles. Children will also learn basic rules of the road so that they can safely ride in their own neighborhoods.

Representatives from Safe Kids USA will also be on site to give free bicycle helmets to the first 200 kids to complete the Bike Rodeo. Beforehand, Safe Kids USA will also inspect children’s helmets to make sure they fit properly and discuss their important safety value.

Participating children must bring a bicycle, helmet and wear closed-toed shoes, according to a release from the BAC.

Moms can also participate in a mini-workshop for women designed to teach them basic safety while on the W&OD Trail. Participants will learn risk reduction and basic self-defense from Vienna Police Officer Kristin Ruddy. Ruddy won the Vienna Optimist Club award in August 2012.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to register beforehand. Click here to register. For more information on the event, contact Cris Janoski by emailing viennabac@verizon.net. 

Can't make Saturday's event?

On Sunday, another bike rodeo is scheduled from 3 to 5 pm at Marshall Road Elementary School.

The event is sponsored by the Marshall Road PTA, Safe Routes to School, Town of Vienna and Trails for Youth.

Kids can learn about bike safety and trail etiquette, and "practice bicycle street smarts." Spokes Etc will check out bikes for safety; kids should bring their own bike and helmet.

The school's Wheels to Africa capter will also collect used bikes "big and small" to donate to adults and kids in Africa who need a means of transportation.

No registration is required.