West Woodland Elementary sure knows how to put on a bike rodeo — a ton of fun was had by all! In preparation for Bike Month and Bike to School Day, these parents and teachers have added a guided ride component to their rodeo. Students take to the neighborhood streets to with Cascade instructors to learn first-hand the essential skills they will be using as they become more independent riders. Way to go and happy biking!

Here is what parent, Polly Freeman had to say about the event:

Fabulous weather and lots of enthusiasm from biking kids, parents, volunteers and sponsors made the 6th annual West Woodland Bike Rodeo one of the best ever on Sunday, May 6.

A total of 56 cyclists and their families enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon at the rodeo. Each participant got a helmet fit check before testing their skills at six stations, snacking on fruit and breadsticks, and enjoying a great day of riding. Many riders took advantage of the bike safety check area to get tires inflated, brakes checked and more. Twelve cyclists also took home new, low-cost helmets courtesy of Cascade and custom-fitted by our volunteers. A dozen riders also ventured out on two “urban” rides supported by Cascade Bike Club staff and West Woodland parents (Cascade staff time was funded by a Safe Routes to Schools grant).

All the kids who completed the stations earned their choice of a variety of cool stickers, water bottles and patch kits courtesy of Gregg’s Cycles. They were also entered in a drawing for flashy NiteIze spoke lights. Bolstering the ranks of our usual bike rodeo volunteers, we were happy to see a few new West Woodland parents volunteering and a HUGE (14) contingent of helpers from Ballard High School, who were spurred on in part by community service hours requirements but nonetheless helpful and welcome.

As Bike to School month continues, we will also have special stickers for kids riding to school on May 18, Bike to Work & School Day, and will award prizes to various categories of Bike to School riders at the end of the month. We’re energized by the good turnout at the rodeo and already planning to meet to talk about next year’s walking and wheeling plans.