In the early days of September, students in the elementary schools of District 181 participate in Bike Rodeos, an annual program that ensures students are safe and registered bicycle riders. The event is a partnership involving staff, parent volunteers, community volunteers, local law enforcement and in many cases, local businesses, working together. Adults check students’ helmets, bike chains and air pressure. They also observe students as they complete a road test to ensure they can ride their bikes comfortably and understand how to operate their brakes. Police officers work with volunteers to get bikes registered, as well, assigning each bike a number to aid in theft recovery.
Madison School Principal Melinda McMahon notes that her school has been holding the Bike Rodeo for well over 20 years. “The event is a long-standing tradition and a collaboration between Madison families and community resources to build student safety while riding to and from school. The rodeo is another wonderful example of how we display a shared responsibility for children. I am grateful to work among such dedicated people.”
