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Learning cycling safety at South Simcoe Police Bike Rodeo

Auxiliary officers inspected bikes and fitted helmets for young cyclists Saturday morning

Dozens of families came out Saturday morning to St. Angela Merici School in Bradford for the South Simcoe Police Bike Rodeo.

Riders were able to get their bikes inspected and helmets fitted by auxiliary officers at stations set up throughout the schoolyard, before driving through the safety course, as police recorded their speed with a radar gun. Police also recorded each bike's serial number, make and model number for the kids to keep handy in case of loss or theft. 

Police use the 'ABC' method when checking over the bikes.

"The air, the brakes and the chain," said Officer Elisabeth Aschwanden. 

When it comes to proper helmet fit, police recommend the "2-V-1" rule: Two fingers between the eyebrow and helmet, V-shape straps around both ears, and one finger between the chin and strap. This ensures the helmet sits straight across the head comfortably.  According to the South Simcoe Police website, a properly-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 85 per cent.

"Helmets have to sit straight down, not backwards, if it's too high up it's too small, if it's covering their eyes, it's too big," explained Aschwanden. 

Each kid was given a passport to be checked off by officers at each station to be put into a draw for a chance to win a brand new bike, courtesy of Canadian Tire Bradford. 

New general manager of the Bradford Canadian Tire store, Jeff Bonnor also donated two boxes full of bicycle helmets and a bike pump for the day's event. 

"The community has always been very important to, not just myself, but our team at the store," he said. "Just being able to give back and have smiles on faces and not being able to promote activity and safety...we are so happy to be there and be part of it."

Tanvir Rana who lives in Grand Central with his young family told BradfordToday how happy he was to attend such an important event. 

Rana moved to Bradford from Germany four years ago, after working in the German army. 

"I was a captain there, but me and my wife decided to move to Canada, and we have been in this community for four years and I love what you are doing," she said. "It was so lovely to see that you guys are doing this."

Police attended a second Bike Rodeo even in Innisfil later in the day at Alcona Glen Elementary School. 


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Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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