Submitted photos

From the Safe Routes to School Committee - August 16, 2021

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. 

While we were unable to host the regular event in May, we did host a smaller event in conjunction with a public health sponsored youth vaccination event.  Each year this event is possible thanks to community volunteers and local organizations. 

The 2021 Bike Safety Rodeo was held on Wednesday, August 11th from 3-6 pm at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais.  This fun and educational event was made possible by the local Safe Routes to School Committee, Superior Cycling Association, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, ISD 166, Como Oil, and many amazing community volunteers.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time!

The event included a bike safety course, free hotdogs and popcorn, some prizes, and a chance to try out the new adaptive bikes recently added to the SRTS Bike Fleet.  We also gave out free helmets.  The event was open to all ages of children, and there were 24 participants.  If your child needs a bike helmet, we have plenty left!  

The SRTS Committee plans to resume normal Bike Safety Rodeo tradition in 2022 by hosting the event in May before school gets out for the summer.  

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 218-877-8262.