Stz’uminus Community School students received much more than safety tips during a bike rodeo June 10.
The Ladysmith RCMP and many volunteers came to the school to offer a day-long bike rodeo for students from kindergarten to Grade 8.
“We’re trying to encourage bike safety and kids following the rules of the road,” explained Const. Chris Chanin. “The Stz’uminus First Nation, they’ve invested in their kids and got them helmets.”
During the bike rodeo, Chanin and his volunteers showed students bike safety videos and took them through different stations, such as theft prevention, visibility and clothing, the rules of the road, and bike and helmet maintenance. After going through the stations, students rode through an obstacle course.
“Hopefully, it will be an annual thing where we can keep reinforcing bike safety with the kids,” said Chanin.
About 130 students took part in the bike rodeo, and many partners helped make it happen.
The Stz’uminus First Nation Council purchased helmets for all the students and also bought three new bicycles, which were raffled off at the end of the day. The Town of Ladysmith donated nine bicycles, and the RCMP had them fixed up through Experience Cycling in Duncan, which donated the time and labour, and then gave them away in the bike raffle.
ICBC provided safety equipment, and many volunteers helped out throughout the day.
“The RCMP was a big support — the Ladysmith local detachment and E-Division Aboriginal Policing also helped out,” said Chanin. “Not all the schools get this type of event, so we’re very fortunate we can have this fun event. I want to say a special thanks to the students for participating in the event and making it a success.”