New venue, room for more youth on bike safety day

Registration for the largest-ever bike safety day opens on Monday, May 15.

The free annual event is being held on Sunday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the curling rink of the SLS Centre and can accommodate a maximum of 220 youth, ages four to 14. Participants will be divided into four hourly groups and flow through several stations.

• . Presentation on bike safety on roads and trails
• . Bikes and helmets inspections
• . Bike course 
• . Goody bags

Like last year, there will be beginners and advanced bike courses for youth to practice their skills.

Organized by Cochrane Kiwanis Club and Bike Cochrane with the assistance of sponsors and volunteers, it not only helps youth prepare for the cycling season ahead but makes sure their bike is ready to roll and that they have an appropriate safety helmet. If they need a new helmet, it will be provided free of charge.

Bike technicians are onsite to give bikes the once over and make any necessary adjustments. (file photo)

Parents are encouraged to register early. Even with this expanded registration, it has sold out each year in a matter of days.

Co-chair Debbie White, of the Kiwanis Club, says they're excited to offer it again to local youth and thrilled to be able to move it indoors.

"What that means is the weather is not going to be an issue. That's something that for the last couple of years we always had to kind of worry about," she says. "This year, it's not gonna be an issue at all, because everything will be inside."

There may, however, be one outdoor course.

"There's a garage door at the end of the curling rink that opens into the back parking lot there, so what I'm kind of hoping is that we'll be able to set up a bike course out there that kids can go on before or after their time slot."

Parents need to accompany their child/ren to the event, and there's a waiver for them to sign.

White says it's actually fun and a little educational for the parents, too.

"Last year, the parents sat in on the bike safety talk as well. and I know a lot of them were interested to get the information that the RCMP provided, so there are good little tidbits of information for everyone."

While technicians will be on hand from both Big Hill Cycle and Wheels for Kids to give bikes the once over, they're asking parents to make sure the bikes are in decent working condition when they arrive.

It's recommended people register early. Once on the online page, you'll be able to pick a time slot that suits you best. There will be an indication of what time slots are full on the page.

She encourages those who have registered but are unable to attend so if no time slots remain, there's an opportunity to join a waiting list. If people signup but discover they are unable to attend are asked to make sure they cancel. That way, people on the waiting list will have a chance to fill those spots. 

You can register here.