YORKTON - One of the best memories of summer as a child is that moment you manage to ride your bicycle sans training wheels or someone running alongside with a steadying hand.
It is one of those moments where a youth feels one of their earliest moments of accomplishment and independence.
But, that first wobbly solo ride doesn’t mean children don’t need those of us driving city streets to pay a little more attention during the warm months of spring and summer knowing people of all ages and levels of experience are going to be out riding their bikes.
That is why Bicycle Safety Week has been held in Saskatchewan the past 20 years.
Bicycle Safety Week is an opportunity to pay special attention to child cyclists, provide education, and hold events to promote safe cycling.
The Minister of Crown Investments has designated May 15-21, the official Bicycle Safety Week, which is why members of the Yorkton RCMP, the Yorkton Fire Department, Mayor Hippsley and employees of Hometown Source for Sports were in attendance at Yorkdale Central School Monday for the Grade Three Bike Safety Rodeo.
"We do it pretty much every year for all of the grade three students," said Constable Kimberly Flett of the Yorkton RCMP and School Resource Officer for all of the schools in Yorkton.
The theme for 2022 is Ready to Ride with a focus on ensuring children have the proper equipment and skills to get ready to ride their bicycles.
Many communities across Saskatchewan, such as Yorkton, are hosting bike rodeos throughout spring and summer where children will have the opportunity to have their helmets and bicycles adjusted to ensure proper fit, as well as learn and practice bicycle safety skills.
In Yorkton youth involved Monday received a free helmet as a part of this program so that they can ride around the community safely, said Flett.
Being safe when riding is important since cycling-related injuries are a leading cause of hospitalizations in children and youth.
Education and awareness are key for reducing these injuries.
Certainly, when children, parents, caregivers, and communities work together, serious and life-altering bicycle injuries can be prevented.
