News : Children learn safety, improve riding skills at Bike Safety Rodeo

Aydan Smith navigates the Figure 8 course at the Bike Safety Rodeo.

Grant Schooley tosses a bean bag into a bucket on the target shoot course of Bike Safety Rodeo.

Rex Shepherd was one of many volunteers at the annual bike safety event at Recreation Center.

Officer James Livingston teaches children the proper hand signals for bike riders to use.

Noah Klosterman tries to keep his wheels betwen the lines on the 'balance beam' course.

The Vinton Parks and Recreation Department, with the help of Best of Iowa and other sponsors, welcomed approximately 40 young bicyclists to the annual Bike Safety Rodeo Tuesday, May 4.

The children learned about bicycles and bicycle safety at seven different stations. They had their bikes and helmets inspected for safety. They tested their riding skills on a zig-zag course, a figure 8 track, balance beam and a target shoot course where they had to stay on their bicycles while tossing a bean bag into a bucket. They also learned proper hand signals.

Best of Iowa was the events main sponsor, providing a meal of hot dogs and chips for participants, as well as prizes. Several Best of Iowa employees helped during the event.

Vinton Police Officer James Livingston taught the students about hand signals, and inspected their bikes and helmets.

Parks and Recreation Directeor Duane Randall said the VInton Kiwanis Club and the Vinton Family Clinic also provided funding for some of the prizes. Officer Livingston handed out Palace Bucks to those who correctly answered questions about bikes and bike safety.