Ottawa Safety Council Bike Rodeos

The sun is shining, the snow has melted, and the kids are asking to go for a bike ride almost every day. Sound familiar? We know many of you are putting air in the bike tires, checking helmets and getting ready for the first family bicycle rides of the season—if you haven’t already. If your kids are eager to strike out on their own or you just want them to brush up on their safety knowledge and confidence when on wheels, The Ottawa Safety Council can help prepare them for a safe ride this summer.

The very popular Bike Rodeos are held at schools and community events across the city. Kids in kindergarten through grade four have the opportunity to learn about bike safety and the rules of the road that will help them to be better, safer rides. During a Bike Rodeo, participants are taught bike hand signals, proper helmet fitting, bike checks and manoeuvring by playing fun games and watching interactive demonstrations.

If your school or community group is interested in participating, Bike Rodeo activities can be booked online. If you want to ensure your child experiences their own rodeo this summer, look into at signing them up for the summer camps. Intended for children aged four to nine, weekly camps will run over seven weeks this summer and topics include bike safety education, road safety, street proofing and cyber-bullying. These topics at the day camps are combined with arts, crafts, wading pool visits and more, and we love that before and after care is available. We think the kids’ wheels will be spinning with excitement.

The Ottawa Safety Council has a variety of other programs for children and parents. If you are an expectant parent, or new parent, we think you’ll be interested in the Best Fit Car Seat Clinics. There are free clinics happening during the spring and summer across the city with two upcoming free clinics taking place on April 30 and May 7. Registration is required for these popular events and more details, including which locations the free clinics will be held at, can be found on their website.

Grab the bikes out of the garage and hit the road, safely, this year as a family.

Looking for ways to make riding their bike even more exciting? We’ve got 11 fun Toys on Wheels to get them revved up for riding season.