Amherst Police Department hosts annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Awareness Day on July 27 – Morning Journal

Amherst police officers have set up a variety of obstacle courses for participants to practice navigating obstacles during the Bike Rodeo and Safety Awareness Day. (Larissa Beriswill – The Morning Journal)

The Amherst Police Department held its annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Awareness Day to promote bicycle safety among children on July 27 in the parking lot of Steele High School (450 Washington Street) in Amherst.

As in previous years, the Bike Rodeo will take place sometime before the school year begins, according to Amherst Police Chief Mark Cawthon, and officers will educate students about the rules of riding bikes on the road and other topics such as the importance of wearing a helmet.

“It aims to engage the community and educate them about bicycle safety,” he said.

“It cannot be stressed enough.”

Participants completed several obstacle courses, learned about the equipment on their bikes and other vehicles, and had the opportunity to see and interact with first responders, a fire truck, and an ambulance.

Patrol cars and other emergency vehicles stood with their doors open so that guests could get a first-hand look.

“We value our partnership with LifeCare and Amherst Fire and are grateful to be able to assist with this event,” said Cawthon.

“It’s nice that the kids get the whole package when they come here and see all the first responders.”

Officers also taught the children various hand signals to use while riding and inspected the toy rides for any defects, such as checking the brakes, Police Chief Cawthon said.

“It’s a great event, the kids have fun,” said Jacob Waryu, a police officer and organizer of the event in Amherst.

“I think the parents really appreciate it. It’s just great to see.”

In addition to safety activities, the event also included police drone demonstrations and the opportunity for children to enter a prize draw for a free bicycle.

According to Chief Cawthon, pizza and snacks were donated by Olde Town Pizza House and distributed free of charge to participants.

“We also appreciate their support,” he said.

According to Waryu, due to the large number of children riding bicycles in the city, the department continues to see a need for this safety event and even reinforces these safety measures through other initiatives, such as the Helmet Smart program.

The need is increasing with the number of residential areas in Amherst, especially near downtown.

“It’s a great, positive thing for the community,” he said.

According to Chief Cawthon, the Bike Rodeo is also a great opportunity for children and adults to get to know Amherst Police Officers and other first responders in a more relaxed and personal setting.

“We are very sociable people. We are human beings,” he said.

“We care about our community and that’s why we do something like this, because we care about our community.”