Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? Really rode it, all by yourself? The exhilaration of the wind rushing past as you pump your legs harder and harder. The scenery rushing by faster and faster. And the grin on your face because you finally got it.
Even as an adult, riding a bike is fun, though you may have forgotten thanks to work, life and a busy schedule. Two upcoming Town of Huntsville events will help kids to remember the rules of the road, and will encourage riders of all ages to reconnect with the joy of cycling.
At the fourth annual Kids’ Bike Rodeo, hosted on Thursday, June 7 in conjunction with the OPP and The SportLab, young cyclists aged five to 12 will learn basic cycling skills and safety on a circuit of stations each designed to enhance their knowledge. They’ll learn how to conduct their own helmet and bike safety checks, how to read road signs and what signals to use, how to navigate intersections, how to do shoulder checks, and they’ll get to practice their agility. The circuit takes about 30 minutes to complete.
At the end they’ll receive a certificate of completion and some bike goodies.
“The Kids’ Bike Rodeo is a fun and educational clinic to encourage safe cycling,” says Simone Babineau, the Town’s Manager of Recreation & Leisure Services. “It will ensure their equipment is in good shape after sitting all winter and that it’s the correct size. And each station is designed to improve their skills, as well as give them the ability to check their own helmet and bike themselves. It’s a great way to start the cycling season.”
The Kids’ Bike Rodeo is free but requires advance registration. Register online here, call 1-855-776-7852, or drop-in to The SportLab at 68 West Road, Unit #2, Huntsville to book your child’s half-hour timeslot. The event runs on Thursday, June 7 at the Huntsville Public School parking lot from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Kids’ Bike Rodeo is great preparation for the Mayor’s Bike Ride on June 20, also in its fourth year. Bring the entire family and join Mayor Scott Aitchison, The SportLab, and the OPP for a relaxed ride through neighbourhoods in the core of Huntsville.
“The Mayor’s Bike Ride promotes the benefits of cycling―it’s great exercise, it reduces your carbon footprint and can save you money you’d otherwise spend on gas and vehicle maintenance, and it can help reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease,” says Babineau. “It’s a great family activity. Everyone is welcome and we encourage all to wear helmets as a good example for younger riders.”
The 12-kilometre ride starts at River Mill Park at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 and is led by experienced cyclists. The route is mostly flat, with only a few hills, and is manageable for anyone who can ride comfortably for about an hour. You don’t have to complete the full 12 kilometres, though―participants can complete a portion of the course as time and ability allow.
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- Mayor Aitchison joined the kids’ ride in business attire to promote cycling to work
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- These young riders give the Mayor’s Bike Ride a thumbs up
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- Riders enjoyed the evening sun on Town Line Road E
“The SportLab is thrilled to work with the Town of Huntsville to host the fourth Annual Mayor’s Bike Ride. Our expert clinical team supports the development of family-friendly cycling events, like the Mayor’s Bike Ride,” says Dr. Lowell Greib of The SportLab. “We recognize the importance of promoting active and healthy living while clearly demonstrating to the community that our roads are safe and accessible for recreational cycling.”
All participants receive a free water bottle courtesy of The SportLab. The event is free and no registration is required. Just bring your bike, your helmet and your enthusiasm!
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