Bike rodeo teaches two-wheel safety

Const. Nick Dupuis assists Finn Lyons over one of the ramps during last Sunday’s Amherstburg Bike Rodeo.

The annual Amherstburg Bike Rodeo returned last Sunday and local youth got tips on how to ride safely.

The bike rodeo was presented at Families First Funeral Home with bicycle raffles, swag bags, obstacle courses, bike safety checks and a barbecue part of the day’s events. The Amherstburg Fire Department was also on hand allowing children to view the fire trucks and a bouncy castle was also on site.

Const. Nick Dupuis, community services officer with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment, said Bike Windsor-Essex joined them for the first time this year. They helped him and auxiliary police officers with the obstacle course.

Flow Cafe & Bikes provided the bicycles for the draws and helped check the overall shape of the bikes if families wanted them inspected.

“The Rotary Club is doing the food,” he said. “Home Hardware donated cornhole boards.”

Members of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg helped with a free barbecue at Sunday’s bike rodeo. From left: Corey Rainhard, Susanne Rainhard, Tony Ross, Jeremy Warnock, Nancy Roy and Karen Davidson.

Dupuis credited Families First for putting the bike rodeo on, but Jennifer Wells and Courtney Wilkinson-Lightfoot of Families first credited the community. Wells said the funeral company started presenting bike rodeos at its east Windsor location in 2010 and expanded it to Amherstburg in 2016 after they arrived in this community.

“When we arrived in Amherstburg, we wanted to do something to enhance the town,” said Wells.

Wells added it was a good way for Families First to work with so many community partners. She said there were ten other sponsors that helped with the Amherstburg Bike Rodeo.

“We want to be part of the community and be part of the neighbourhood,” said Wells. 

Families First initially worked with the Amherstburg Police Service and now are “blessed” that the Windsor Police Service has continued with it. They are thankful for the support of the community.

“We’ll see you again next year,” said Wells.

“We couldn’t do it without all of our sponsors,” added Wilkinson-Lightfoot. “People are excited to be part of it. We’re extremely grateful.”

Bike rodeo teaches two-wheel safety

By Ron Giofu