GRAND MARAIS, MINN. (June 6th, 2019) – The Bike Safety Rodeo has become a much loved and anticipated annual event in Grand Marais, bringing families and children from across the county together to help kids learn how to bike safely. Each year this event is possible thanks to community volunteers and local organizations.

The 2019 Bike Safety Rodeo was held on Thursday, May 23rd 3-5 pm at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais (317 West 5th Street).  This fun and educational event was made possible by the local Safe Routes to School Committee, Superior Cycling Association, Fireweed Bike Coop, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, US Border Patrol, Minnesota State Patrol, ISD 166, Como Oil, and Operation Round-Up through Arrowhead Electric Cooperative.

It was a great opportunity for children to get ready for spring and summer biking with a properly fit helmet, a checked bike, and a test of their ability on the skills course. The event was open to all ages of children, and there were 79 participants.  Thanks to a collaboration with Fireweed Bike Co-op, over half of the participants left with a new helmet.  More helmets are available for children who need one.

The Safe Routes to School Committee works year-round to make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to and from school. Studies have found that physical activity, such as walking or biking to school, allows students to concentrate better during the school day. And while many students in our county do not live in Grand Marais, some have the opportunity to walk or bike to an afterschool destination in Grand Marais. Other local initiatives include Walk/Bike to School Days, Pedestrian Safety Enforcement events, in-school bike education, winter maintenance activities coordination, and many other initiatives.

For more information about Cook County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) or if your child needs a helmet, contact SRTS Coordinator, Andrea Orest, at [email protected] or 218-387-2330 ext. 110.