Springfield Police teach kids bike safety

Springfield Police Division helped local kids ride into summer during its Bike Rodeo event.

The 22nd bike event had 44 participants from ages six to 13. Each rider was taught how to properly ride their bikes when they are on a trail. They were also taught other skills like how to wear gear like helmets to protect themselves.

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In the past, the division held Bike Camp which allowed riders to wind along the bike paths of Springfield, stopping for lunch and demonstrations from various city departments before saddling back up.

On Friday, participants gathered for what’s now Bike Rodeo at Roosevelt Middle School.

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“We just got done doing the obstacle course. We are going to do a slow race here to get the kids comfortable on balance and actually using their bikes the correct way,” Springfield Police Officer Tom Selner said.

Arin Simnons, 13, has been a camp participant for the past three years. The latest camp was his fourth. He has learned a lot in the past few years.

“I hope to learn more things about bike safety and good ways to ride your bike,” Simnons said.

He now always tries to be safe by wearing his helmet and to brake correctly.

The camp, once a week-long event is down to one day, Selner said.

“We’ve been doing a bike camp; usually the camp would last all week long Monday through Friday because of our manpower situation we are not able to do all week long,” Selner said.

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