Like proud parents running alongside their child, holding the seat, then with a gentle push casting her off under her own pedal power and proudly watching the rite of passage, the organizing group of Bicycle Month is grinning from ear to ear. This month-long celebration of self-propulsion is launched and heading down the road under its own steam.
Day 13 started with a bicycle rodeo at R.Tait McKenzie School. This event put together parent volunteers, high school students, two health nurses and three OPP officers. Children, their parents and even grandparents started arriving before the tents had been set up, new bicycle helmets set out and pylons strategically placed. Fifty child-sized helmets were checked for defects and fit and those that were not up to scratch were replaced with a new one donated by Canadian Tire and private donors. These new riders learned valuable lessons about road signals and bicycle safety and all with an emphasis on fun.
The Mississippi United soccer team arrived dressed in
their jerseys as if en route to a game. After their serpentine ride through the pylons, they were off with coach and parents in tow on the Bicycle Month “Birders route.” Their tour included a planned stop for a picnic lunch in Blakeney and a visit at the Mill of Kintail, an 18-kilometer ride. I hope these youngsters have visited the Community Challenge page of Bicycle Month and added their kilometers pedaled to our community total.
Click here for this growing total and see the total amount ridden and the carbon dioxide saved! Add your June rides to the total!!
