Anne Roberts Young Elementary School hosts third annual Bike Rodeo

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Students at Anne Roberts Young Elementary spent Friday morning learning bike safety and maintenance at the third annual Bike Rodeo.

On May 24th, students gathered outside the school, helmets and bikes in tow, to learn about road and bike safety from teachers, parents, community members, and the Fort St. John Fire Department. 

Donna Hedges, a grade three teacher at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School, is the main organizer of the annual event and was one of the teachers overseeing students at stations.

“It’s great for them to learn safely. We want the kids to be able to ride their bikes safely,” Hedges said.

She said that as the weather warms, more students will be outside riding their bikes, and a day of fun-filled learning will do wonders for their safety. 

The school set up four different stations around the school, three dedicated to younger students and one for more advanced students with bike experience. 

The stations included chalk and cone obstacle courses, safety classes, and basic maintenance such as gear chain maintenance and tire inflation. 

Deputy Fire Chief Matt Troiano attended the event to teach students hand signals for stopping and turning left or right and the correct way to wear a helmet.

“You can replace your knee, but you can’t replace your brain,” Troiano told the students during his presentations. 

“It’s a great initiative Ms. Hedges puts on every year,” Trioano said between classes. 

During the event, volunteers and firefighters were scattered across school grounds, assisting students and teaching crucial road and bike safety skills. 

Hedges was delighted that the students could learn from and interact with members of the community at the event. 

“That community connection is so important for students, and there’s so many people [here] students can learn from,” Hedges said.