Bike Roadeo: RCMP Heritage Centre focuses on bike safety

The RCMP Heritage Centre had its first Bike Roadeo on Sunday afternoon, which is in partnership with SGI to teach kids about bike safety.

By bringing their bikes and helmets, children are given a passport at the beginning of the course and have to complete a number of stations to get a prize at the end.

They receive a stamp on their passport with every station they complete — including bike and helmet inspection, hand signaling, control and balance.

Four-year-old Isaiah Glover plays in the bubbles at the Bike Roadeo on July 29, 2018. (Jayda Noyes/980 CJME)

Saskatchewan Roughriders Brandon Bridge and Ed Gainey were also there for photos and autographs.

Four-year-old Isaiah Glover was having a bit of a hard time getting over the teeter totter ramp, but was excited when he made it over after a couple tries.

“(I learned) just to keep your bike helmet on the right way,” he said as staff taught him how to keep the chin straps tight enough.

His mom, Janet Glover, said she thinks Isaiah will remember these safety tips when he heads to the streets for a bike ride.

“I think it’s good to have somebody else tell him what the rules are because I do try to reinforce that at home, but it’s good coming from somebody else as well,” she said.

A few other activities were also included — like a petting zoo, barbecue and bubbles, which Isaiah also loved.

Dan Toppings, executive director of the RCMP Heritage Centre, said they hope to promote bike safety, but also keep up the interest at the museum.

“Any time that we can get together with the community, get them into our facility and show them what we have to offer, that’s our goal,” he said.

Toppings added next year they’ll likely have the Bike Roadeo during May or June when kids are anxious to ride their bikes for the first time in the season.

He estimated half way through the event, the RCMP Heritage Centre had between 50 to 100 kids come visit.