Charles City Bike Rodeo a success

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The number of participants and donations seems to be increasing every year at the annual Charles City Bicycle Safety Rodeo.

Saturday was a chance for youth to learn safety on the many courses offered by the Charles City Police Department, which has organized the event for more than 30 years. This year had a new twist at the rodeo, as there was a bike giveaway and swap. Almost 60 bicycles were either given away or swapped at the rodeo. All bikes, helmets and food were donated.

“There’s a need for bikes — especially younger kids’ bikes,” said Kimberly Watkins, a member of CC Cares, which partnered with the Police Department this year.

The event was rained out a week earlier and was rescheduled to June 9 at the old middle school parking lot in Charles City.

“It’s a beautiful day. We had a lot of good turnout,” said Watkins.

Close to 150 kids attended the event this year, according to Charles City Police Chief Hugh Anderson.

“FOCUS, along with Floyd County Public Health, donated almost 200 helmets to make sure that every kid here has a helmet to wear. That was amazing,” said Anderson.

The rodeo also raffled off bikes to win, as well as free movie and swimming passes. A free lunch was also provided.

Kids or adults could also have their bikes licensed and registered by the Police Department.