Bicycle Rodeo

In an effort to promote bike safety for local youth, the Exeter Police Department has once again partnered with Exeter Hospital to hold its 3rd annual Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 13, at Lincoln Street School.

The free rodeo will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (rain or shine) and is open to children of all ages from local communities.

Several activities are planned during the rodeo, which will include an agility course, games, free helmets and helmet fittings, giveaways, snacks, and more. Those who finish the agility course will receive a completion certificate.

Maple, the Police Department’s comfort dog, will also make an appearance along with McGruff the Crime Dog, whose visit will be made possible by Seacoast Crime Stoppers.

“The rodeo is a great way to kick off the bike riding season. It’s a fun event and gives us an opportunity to really emphasize some key safety tips, ” said Exeter Police Detective Bruce Page, who is the department’s community relations officer and helps organize the rodeo each year.

Exeter Deputy Fire Chief Jason Fritz will provide bicycle inspections as well to ensure that they’re safe to ride.

Helmets of all sizes will be given out and properly fitted thanks to generous donations from the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire and the Injury Prevention Center at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s (CHaD) Safe and Active Community Program.

Children who bring their own helmets can also have them checked and fitted.

New Hampshire law requires that children under the age of 16 wear a helmet while riding a bicycle on a public way.

Among other things, the rodeo will highlight the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or inline skates; making sure a bicycle is the right size for the child; the use of proper hand signals, traffic signs and signals; and wearing bright colors and reflectors, and using lights. Additional safety information can be found at www.safekids.org.