Riders run rodeo course

Sun June 18 2006
Posted Jun 18, 2006
5,127

By Tamara Fudge They got to test their skills and learn new safety techniques riding their bikes through an eight-station course Saturday. But children ages kindergarten through sixth grade also had plenty of fun during a Bicycle Safety Rodeo in the former Quad-City Live parking lot in downtown Davenport as part of the Quad-Cities Bicycle Week. “We wanted to expand off of Ride the River to get younger kids involved as well,” said Shelly Heister of Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, one of the sponsors. Heister said the vision and initial organization for this “inaugural year” came from Jessica Waytenick of the Quad-Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. In Waytenick’s absence, Heister coordinated the morning and helped prepare for up to 150 kids. “I was looking for a way to volunteer and help kids as they prepare for their summer of fun,” Heister said. There was no lack of volunteers to help with the event. Members of the Davenport Police Department, D.A.R.E., Davenport Fire Department, Davenport Explorers, and Scott County Sheriff’s Department Jail Division helped. “We’re here in part because of our jail’s bike program,” said Scott County sheriff’s Lt. Jerry Brundies, who heads a bike repair/restoration program for inmates. “I work for the crime prevention unit and work a lot with youth,” said Davenport police officer Hank Jacobsen. “It’s important to teach kids the right way to ride a bicycle.” “We want to make sure they have a helmet and that their bike is in working order,” said volunteer Dean Mayne, who is a board member of the Quad-Cities Bicycle Club and Friends of Off-Road Cycling. Helmets were required in order to participate, and four sizes of brand new and certified helmets were available for only $5 each from Quad-City Safe Kids. “This time of year, we have a bike rodeo every week,” said Safe Kids coordinator Keene Hart. Bike maintenance checks were made by Jim Ghys of Healthy Habits in Bettendorf. “Healthy Habits does lots of things throughout the year,” he said. Bike licenses were available. The Scott County Sheriff’s Department gave out badges and tattoos, and had DNA identification kits as well. “We have free gun locks wherever we go, too,” Jacobsen said. Goodie bags and refreshments met the kids at the end of the course. Three young siblings agreed that the event was a good idea. With their father, Rob, Sarah Pearce, 13, Desiree Sandlin, 12, and Austin Sandlin, 10 rode their bikes from Moline to participate. Austin enjoyed the course. “In some parts it was kind of tricky,” he said. “You have to do slow maneuvering, and have to get to the end in 30 seconds.” “It’s a good way to learn how to ride your bike safer,” Sarah said. “It’s fun, and something to do on a hot day,” Desiree added. Austin agreed. “It also helps you use up your energy,” he said. The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.