Kids learned riding skills and safe cycling habits at SGT’s Bike Safety Rodeo in Guilford.
Eleven children ages 4 to 8 earned “bike licenses” after receiving training in safe cycling and successfully navigating an obstacle course at a Shoreline Greenway Trail Bike Safety Rodeo in Guilford. Ten SGT volunteers led by Kristen D’Souza and two student volunteers from Guilford High School organized and supervised the event, part of SGT’s effort to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety, access and infrastructure on the Shoreline. The Guilford Police Department, Guilford Parks & Recreation Department, Zane’s Cycles and the non-profit Bikes for Kids all partnered with SGT.
The two-hour event, held in the Town Hall parking lot on June 4, began with technicians from Zane’s checking riders’ bikes and adjusting their helmets for fit. Two Guilford bicycle police officers guided kids through the obstacle course, instructing them on safe, courteous cycling habits. The kids were having so much fun, they rode the course over and over long after their instruction was done.
Bike helmets and accessories donated by Connecticut Safe Routes to School were raffled, and Guilford Parks and Rec provided a bicycle spin-art game for participants to play. In partnership with Bikes for Kids and Guilford Social Services, SGT provided six refurbished bicycles to Guilford families in need, including one for an adult who had no other way to get to work. Five used bikes were collected for refurbishment by Bikes for Kids and future donation to needy families.