Children test their riding skills at Bicycle Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aaron Montoya
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Every day many Team Holloman dependants ride their bikes to school, and at the same time there are many parents who worry about their children's safety on the roads.

Bruce Roberts, 49th Security Forces Squadron Community Police supervisor, has responded to this call with the bi-annual Bicycle Rodeo. The Bicycle Rodeo program teaches children about safe riding habits and proper use of protective equipment by engaging them with safety scenarios and skill games.

"We have bike safety information to give the kids" said Roberts, "and we show them what they need to do and how to properly operate the bike."

The children are taught hand signals to notify drivers which direction they intend to turn, proper care and maintenance of their bicycles, and to make sure they never ride without a helmet.

"I think it's great, because it reinforces what the parents try to teach them," said Rachel, wife of Capt. Christopher, 16th Training Squadron MQ-1 student pilot. (last name withheld due to operations security)

The first Rodeo of the year is held in April and the second a week before school starts. The Rodeos offer prizes to the children who perform the best. Some of the games include a paper route, a quick stop exercise and a slow race. All of which are designed to increase the coordination of the children while fostering friendly competition.

"We give away a bike for a girl and a boy in the 6-10 age category and also the 11-15 age category," said Roberts, "they are donated from various organizations around town and out here on the installation."

Members of Team Holloman can put their minds at ease knowing that the 49th SFS Community Police are working hard to keep their children safe.

"I think it's a lot of fun," said Christine Bennett, wife of Col. Kevin Bennett, 49th Mission Support Group commander. "I'm glad that they have the opportunity to come here and not only learn about safety, but also to practice and show off their skills."