Published in The BANAR, August 2023
Robert Bellizzi, BCA Transportation
The Youth Bike Rodeo was held on Saturday, May 13, at the Good Shepherd School. Over 40 children from across Blackburn Hamlet participated in the youth bike event, which was organized by the BCA. Children and parents learned how helmets are to be put on safely, the importance of checking their ABCs (Air in tires; Brakes; and Crank/Chain/Cogs), and safe riding skills like hand signaling, braking, and maneuvering through obstacles. Thanks to Trish and Rob Cochrane for their guidance and leadership in youth bike safety, and to all the volunteers who helped make this event such a resounding success. Thanks also to Constable Marc Leroux of the Ottawa Police, who actively engaged with the participants in the demonstrations of the safe bike riding techniques.
The Adult Bike Event was held on Saturday, June 10, at the Blackburn Community Hall. Approximately 15 people attended. A special thanks to the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) for their presentation on riding safely in traffic and on their 529 Garage (project529.com/garage) bike registration program to prevent bike thefts. A big thanks also to Bike Safety Ottawa, the Ottawa Safety Council and Safer Roads Ottawa who provided informative bike safety handouts and accessories to participants. After the presentations by the OPS, participants rolled through the Blackburn neighbourhood towards Lafarge Canada, where everyone was provided a hands-on bike safety simulation with a Lafarge truck that has been updated with new bike safety features. This presentation highlighted why everyone must learn to share our roadways. Finally, a big thank you to Patti Linn for volunteering her time and expertise in developing the posters for the two events.