South End Community Center hosts bike rodeo for local youth on July 17

The Town of Stratford is set to host a bike rodeo for children in grades three to six at the South End Community Center on July 17, 2024. This event, sponsored by the Recreation Department and the local Rotary Club, aims to educate young riders about bicycle safety and the rules of the road.

The bike rodeo will include a teaching session in classrooms, where participants will learn essential biking skills. Each child will receive safety gear such as helmets, bells, or lights. Following the educational component, the children will participate in a bike rodeo, which may feature community police officers to assist with safety and traffic management.

A key addition to this year's event is a mini bike ride from the South End Community Center to the existing Greenway by DeLuca Field. Officers will help guide the children across busy intersections, ensuring their safety during the ride. Funding for the event includes a micro grant that will cover the costs of police presence and support for the children.

However, organizers face a challenge as many participants do not own bikes. Currently, they have managed to gather a small number of bikes for the children to share during the event. Efforts are ongoing to secure additional bikes to ensure all kids can participate fully.

This initiative not only promotes biking skills but also aims to engage youth with the Greenway, reinforcing community safety and wellness. The event is scheduled to run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with the Rotary Club providing refreshments and gifts for participants.