Bike Rodeo Rolls into Town

It was a beautiful day for a bike rodeo.

About 100 students attended the Street Smarts Bike Rodeo at Neil Armstrong Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon.

This is the second year the school has hosted the event. Students from preschool up to sixth grade came out to participate.

“The kids really enjoy it,” said Karen Robman, Neil Armstrong parent and PTA president. “And we’re so lucky to have this wonderful weather!”

She said her second and fifth graders biked to school by themselves for the first time in honor of the event.

Street Smarts teaches kids about bicycle safety by putting on several bike rodeos each year at elementary and middle schools in the San Ramon Valley.

“Our mission is to educate kids and parents alike on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to continue implementing our programs as best we can,” said Rene Matsumoto, leader of the organization’s Safe Routes to School Program, along with co-worker Kim Brodie.

Students were given a bright yellow checklist, which was stamped after they completed each activity.

Safety stations included helmet inspection, bike check and traffic signs.

San Ramon police officers James Springer, Randy Ritter and Jennifer Montemayor conducted helmet inspections.

Linda and John Knowles, owners of California Pedaler, a Danville bike shop that’s been in business for 35 years, volunteered their time manning the bike check station.

John brought an array of tools, and made adjustments as needed. Linda recorded the results on a bike check sheet that was given to each student, including adjustments made (tightening of loose joints, wheel alignment, brakes, etc.) and repairs needed.

The kids had the most fun riding through obstacle courses like the “Tunnel of Cones,” a lane that narrows at one end, “Rock Dodge,” with objects to maneuver around, and “Crazy 8.”

The “Turtle Race” challenged kids to “See how slow you can go.”

Last one to cross the finish line wins!

Several parents – and even an eighth grader from Pine Valley Middle School – were there helping out.

Deanna DePonceau, a Neil Armstrong parent who filled students’ tires with air, said she loves the whole bike rodeo concept.

“I think it’s great for a couple of reasons. It helps kids to be safe, and it makes them aware of the rules – and that there’s a reason for those rules,” she said. “And, it’s a lot of fun!”

The Street Smarts program began seven years ago. In addition to bike rodeos, the organization offers assemblies on bike and pedestrian safety and a Bike Challenge, where students are encouraged to bike to school throughout the month.

Bike rodeos are often a child’s only opportunity to learn the rules of the road, have their helmets checked properly and practice riding in a supervised bicycle course.

“But we couldn’t do it without all the volunteers and support from the community,” said Matsumoto.