I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Ride Smart Rodeo with New Hope Community Bikes in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was an incredible experience, to help build community through the joy of cycling. Partnering with the City of Hamilton as part...
I had the opportunity to volunteer at a Ride Smart Rodeo with New Hope Community Bikes in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was an incredible experience, to help build community through the joy of cycling. Partnering with the City of Hamilton as part of their Pier 8 activation space, we provided a fun, action-packed event that got people of all ages excited about biking. We focused on promoting proper helmet fitting and improving cycling skills, including straight-line riding, braking, and weaving. The wooden obstacles added an extra challenge, making it a thrilling and educational opportunity for kids eager to ride. It was rewarding to see so many participants gain confidence on their bikes while contributing to a healthier, more connected community in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The bicycles and obstacles were delivered to the Pier 8 activation area in the New Hope Community Bike Ride Smart trailer. Ride Smart is part of an elementary school program run to create safer riders and safer future drivers.
Before starting the cycling rodeo, it was very important to know that riders knew how to properly use their brakes. Riders were instructed to stop and place their feet on the chalk footprints.
On the straight line riding obstacle, riders were instructed to look ahead and keep their eyes at the end of the feature. There were a couple of small wooden logs to roll over at the end.
In this part of the cycling rodeo, riders were instructed to carefully weave in and out of the orange posts, and then go up and over the two hill obstacles.
The teeter totter was the most difficult challenge for the cycling rodeo. Riders were to keep their speed and cycle to the top. Their weight would tip the teeter totter down so they could easily ride off the the ramp on the other side.
Although it doesn't look like a big drop, I could feel the excitement of the tipping point of the teeter totter on its way down and being able to safely ride off.