INNISFAIL – With helmets fastened tight, arms stretched tight over handlebars, and anticipation in overdrive, a score of kids were enthusiastically ready to follow the leader.
The leader happened to be a pro.
He was a cop known by many.
Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson has been leading kids in the community for many years, either at the Innisfail Schools Campus or on the streets.
On this day it was at the rodeo, a bike rodeo.
In partnership with the Town of Innisfail and the Innisfail Public Library, Nelson was a key figure for the kids at the 5th annual Innisfail RCMP Bike Rodeo from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 24 in the parking lot of the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.
Nelson had support and help from members of the Innisfail Fire Department, Innisfail community peace officers, and even his boss Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Ihme, the local detachment commander, who was dutifully cooking up Central Alberta Co-op-donated hotdogs on the barbecue.
About 25 kids, from toddlers to young teens, came to the event to learn the finer points of bike safety.
“Our job is to keep everybody safe, and that includes our kids who are riding their bikes, especially our newer riders and reminding them the police are there to help them and keep them safe,” said Nelson, who was supported by Senior Peace Officer Sgt. Derek Radatzke.
“A big part of that is prevention. Let's learn how to ride our bikes before we end up in an accident.”
The kids’ bike safety education started by talking about safety gear and making sure all bikes were ready to ride.
Nelson and Radatzke then set up the six-station obstacle course in the parking lot.
The kids, all wearing helmets, were taught the proper way of starting and stopping, how to turn sharply and safely, in a straight line or slowly, and how to ride on gravel.
“For a lot of adults riding slowly on a bike, it is way more difficult than riding fast,” said Nelson. “Teaching kids those basic skills are helpful as they're more confident and comfortable and able to get themselves out of trouble before they get into trouble on a bicycle.”
However, the best part of the afternoon is that the kids and adults had plenty of fun.
“The kids love it. That's a big thing for me. It’s fun watching the kids come out and having big smiles on their faces,” said Nelson.
“They have a hot dog and get to work on riding their bikes and hang out with a policeman who's going to spend some time teaching them how to ride a bike.
“Kids seem to really like it, and we certainly enjoy it too.”
