The rodeo is actually an obstacle course for kids that emphasizes bike safety. Participants will get free helmets.
Police and the township government are teaming for the first Deptford bike rodeo for kids from kindergarten to sixth grade on Saturday.
The rodeo is actually an obstacle course for kids that will be set up at Pine Acres Bike on Purdue Avenue from 9 to 10:30 a.m. A second rodeo will take place from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Memorial Park, formerly Fasola Park.
Police officers will be on hand at both locations to assist kids, who will get free helmets courtesy of two businesses, Action Wheels in Wenonah and Peddlers Shop in Deptford.
“It’s first come, first served for the helmets,” said Assistant Township Manager Debra Willard. “We’re hoping for a lot of kids. I’ll be happy if 50 came. We have bike parks at both of those two places and hope to expose the kids to them.”
The township and police both hope kids will learn the importance of bike safety, one of the reasons the township is giving away helmets.
“It’s our first time holding the event and we want to teach kids the importance of bike safety with help from the police department,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “Hopefully it becomes an annual event.”
The bike rodeos are free and registration is not required. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Also joining the township in the rodeos is Cross County Connections, a transportation service from Evesham Township; Cooper Children’s Regional Hospital; and Safe Kids Southern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to preventing childhood injuries.
