The Amherstburg Bike Rodeo made its return on Sunday with young riders picking up a few safety tips along the way.
The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment and Families First Funeral Home presented the bike rodeo with numerous community partners, service clubs and business on hand to support the event. Sponsors included the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, Sobeys, Rob & Tina's No Frills, Wigle's Home Hardware, the Richmond Popcorn Co., Game Gear Attire, Little Buddies Daycare, the Amherstburg Fire Department, Bright Child Montessori, the Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC), Flow Cafe & Bikes, the Blonde Coach Bar, Amherstburg Chevrolet Buick GMC and the Town of Amherstburg. A local Corvette club was also on hand with CKBG 107.9 broadcasting from the event.
“It's a safety event,” said Const. Nick Dupuis, the local community service officer. “It's about teaching kids bike safety. It's also a fun event. It's a fun event with safety tips so it's a win-win.”
There was a small cycling trail for children with officers and auxiliary police on hand to guide children through it safety.
Dupuis said bike rodeos have been a tradition in Amherstburg, dating back to when it was at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. He noted the partnership with Families First and that “it's grown over the years.”
There were over 80 children registered, Dupuis noted, but he expected about 150 before it was over with other kids expected to stop in during the three-hour event.
“This is our bike safety day in Amherstburg,” said Jennifer Wells, marketing manager with Families First.
Wells said that it has now come back for the last several years in partnership with police, with the funeral home opening its Amherstburg location in 2015. He said the goal is to give back to the community, give children safety tips and ensure their helmets are fitting properly.
“We thought this would be a great way to bring the community together to talk about bike safety and make it fun,” she said.
BMX rider Eric Favot performed tricks for the children while the other groups also offered services, barbecues and games.
“Everyone donated their services today,” she said. “Everyone is trying to support the community.”
Wells added they anticipate keeping the bike rodeo an annual event in partnership with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment.
“Nick has been a pleasure to deal with,” she said.
Bike Rodeo teaches children all about safety on wheels
By Ron Giofu
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