From Cook County, MN - May 19, 2025

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 this year, we need you! Over twenty volunteers are needed to make this event happen, and many roles are still available.

The 2025 Bike Safety Rodeo will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais (317 West 5th Street), rain or shine, inside the arena if inclement weather. This fun and educational event is sponsored by the local Safe Routes to School Committee,  Cook County Public Health, and the State Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). No bike is needed to participate! The SRTS Bike Fleet will be on-site for community use during the event. In addition, due to a generous donation from Joynes Ben Franklin and the North Shore Collaborative, a limited number of free helmets and bike lights will be available. 

It is a great opportunity for children to get ready for spring and summer biking with a bike and helmet check. Kids can practice bike safety education while riding through a fun bike skills course. There are a variety of volunteer roles, and no prior biking knowledge or experience is needed to volunteer. From assisting with activities to being a course monitor, there is a lot of fun to be had while supporting our youth. Most volunteer roles require standing for the duration of the event, but accommodation will be made whenever possible.

The Bike Safety Rodeo helps kids be safer bicyclists by providing them with a properly fitted helmet and a checked bike and testing their abilities on the skills course. All ages are welcome! Adults are strongly encouraged to accompany younger participants, and all participants are required to have a signed permission slip (sent home with the school the week before the rodeo or available at the event for guardians or parents to sign).

Studies have found that physical activity, such as walking or biking to school, allows students to concentrate better during the school day. While many students in our county do not live in Grand Marais, many walk or bike to an afterschool destination in Grand Marais. Reach out to get involved in various local active living initiatives, such as Walk/Bike to School Days, in-school bike education, walk audits, and many others.

To volunteer at the Bike Rodeo or for more information about joining the Cook County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Committee, contact Kristina Campbell Mattson, SRTS/ SHIP Coordinator, at 218-387-2330. 

Volunteers may also sign up online at https://tinyurl.com/Cookcountybikerodeo2025