Not even a somewhat steady rain could prevent the 16th annual Bike Rodeo from taking place as scheduled on May 13 as a formidable group of kids showed up at Kiwanis Park in Shaler.

The event is designed to teach bicycle safety and rules of the road to children as they traverse a road course set up in the middle of the park.

The kids were also fitted for and received a free bicycle helmet and were able to enter a free raffle to win a new bicycle.

The event was sponsored by the Shaler, Etna, and Millvale police departments and the Shaler Hampton EMS.

“This event is based around safety,” Shaler police officer Joseph A. Spalick said. He was in charge of running the event. “Kids learn how to stop, balance and ride the course and understand the general nature of the bike. “The biggest thing is safety and wearing a helmet. The kids don’t understand that sometimes there are safety hazards that come with riding bikes.”

It was not only parents but grandparents, including Jeff Yigdall, 71, Gibsonia, and his 2-year-old grandson, Spencer.

”He’s doing great. He especially likes the police cars,” Yigdall said.

“I come every year and I’ve been doing this for a while,” said 10-year-old Ashlyn Borza. Among the things she said she learned at this year’s Bike Rodeo was not to slam on her brakes when another bike rider cuts in front of her.

Jameson Hartz, 10, of Shaler, said he was having fun riding around and meeting people. He learned to keep his helmet on at all times when he’s riding his bike on the street as well as, “go slow and don’t drive fast and go in the right direction (with the rest of the traffic).”

Etna police officer Ronald Cerniglia rode his police bike with the kids and was happy to see a good turnout despite less than desirable weather.

“We set the course up and then occasionally I go through on my bike and the kids will follow me through the course, weaving in and out of the cones,” Cerniglia said. “It’s mostly just interacting with the kids and trying to get them friendly with the police. It’s always good to see the kids smile and have fun.”

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