OSKALOOSA — If bicycles had sentience and vocal abilities, they'd be begging to go for a ride, with winter's chill becoming a fading memory and May's warmth and lightrefreshingour senses.

It's National Bike Month, and the Oskaloosa Police Department (OPD), Oskaloosa Bicycle Coalition, State Farm Agent Wyndell Campbell, Mahaska Health Partnership (MHP) and Blue Zones Project are collaborating to sponsor a free bike rodeo for kids on May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Last year, there were around 50 kids who participated; organizers are hoping to double this number due to having a more centralized location which will encourage more families and children to attend. OPD had held bike rodeos in the past, but partnering with other organizations has helped expand the event.

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In 2015, the Active Transportation Plan: Walk, Run, Ride was adopted by resolution by the Oskaloosa City Council in an effort to "help bring awareness and focus to active modes of transportation," said Natalie Spray, Blue Zones Project Manager. "Education, Safety, and Health Promotion include just one of our seven goals identified in the plan. Developing safe bicycling practices in adults and children, and teaching motorists to share the road with bicyclists are key education efforts. Marketing bicycling as a healthy, fun, and convenient way to travel will also encourage bicycle use."

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