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The following was submitted by Walk & Roll Winchester:
More than 30 Winchester children participated in the first-ever Bike Rodeo held during Winchester Town Day on Saturday, June 6, at Winchester High School.
Organized by volunteers from Walk & Roll Winchester and the Climate Action Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, the event gave children in grades K–5 the opportunity to build confidence on their bicycles while practicing essential safety skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Since 2005, Safe Routes to School is a program that works to increase safe walking, biking, and rolling among grade K-12 students by using a collaborative, community-focused approach that bridges the gap between health and transportation.
Throughout the morning, participants rotated through a series of hands-on stations. Children learned foundational bicycle safety skills, practiced handling and control on a closed skills course, navigated obstacles, and took part in a slow-race challenge designed to improve balance and precision. A balance bike was also included, offering younger riders an additional way to engage with the activities.
Obstacle courses, learning the rules of the road and highlighting safety were all on tap at the first-ever Bike Rodeo on June 6. COURTESY PHOTOS/WALK & ROLL WINCHESTER
The event was supported by Winchester High School student Nikola Dimitrov as part of his National Honor Society community service, who assisted with setup and course operations throughout the morning.
Although this was the first Bike Rodeo ever held as part of Winchester Town Day, families responded enthusiastically, with participation spread across four sessions during the morning. Parents highlighted both the quality of instruction and the engaging, playful format of the activities.
“We are thrilled that Winchester Town Day could host its first Bike Rodeo,” said Deborah Kreithen, outreach coordinator for the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program. “This kind of hands-on education is an important way to help children develop lifelong safe riding habits, and we are excited to see strong community interest in continuing and expanding the program in the future. This momentum builds upon the E-Bike Community Forum we participated in last fall.”
“We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces and enthusiastic young riders,” said Damien Thiery, volunteer with Walk & Roll Winchester and the Climate Action Advisory Committee. “This first edition showed strong interest in bike safety education in Winchester, and we hope it can become a regular part of Town Day in the years ahead.”
Walk & Roll Winchester is a volunteer-led initiative that promotes safe walking, biking, and active transportation throughout the community. The group works with schools, town departments, and local partners to encourage healthier and more sustainable transportation options for Winchester residents.
The organizers extend their sincere thanks to the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program, Winchester Public Schools, Town Day organizers, volunteers, and all participating families for making the event a success.
