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Just like bicycle education is more than a shove down the driveway, a bicycle rodeo is more than just an obstacle course. This "Guide to Bicycle Rodeos" is intended to give you the tools to run a successful event that provides a strong educational component for the participants. All the information contained here may be reproduced.

When we remember back to our first bicycle, we remember that it provided fun, freedom, independence, transportation and responsibility. The bicycle is the most efficient machine known to mankind. The bicycle is playing a role in many of the issues facing us today, heath & wellness, environmental concerns and transportation. As more and more Americans rediscover the bicycle, it is critical that all users understand how to safely drive a bicycle.

Why run a bicycle rodeo, Well it first and foremost teaches bicycle safety if run properly. With time constraints it is an efficient, effective and concise way of presenting bicycle safety. The practical aspect of the training is a powerful tool. But most importantly, children have fun while learning.

Simply stated, it is education by practice. It is a bicycle skills event which provides an opportunity for bicyclists to practice and develop skills that will help them to become better bicyclists and avoid typical crashes.

SKILLED INSTRUCTORS

An effective bicycle safety education program must have skilled instructors. Children can often time see right through those who don't know what they are talking about. The challenge then is where to find adults with bicycle safety knowledge?

Some ideas:

• Parents
• Other teachers/staff
• Local Bicycle Club
• Police officers
• Local youth agencies
• Service clubs
• Bike Shops

DESIGN

An effective bicycle safety education program is designed to address the behaviors that most often result in crashes.

These behaviors include:

• Riding out of a driveway without stopping
• Failing to stop for stop signs
• Suddenly swerving without looking back
• Riding on the wrong side of the street
• Riding at night without proper lighting and reflective clothing

We must understand that a vast majority of accidents (50% or more) do not involve cars or others, but the child simply loses control of the bike and crashes to the ground.

SKILLS TO TEACH

• Starting and stopping
• Scanning
• Avoiding hazards
• Making turns
• Entering and crossing the street
• Riding under control and predictably