Articles

Bicycle Rodeo incorporates safety with fun

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  More than 50 Team Andersen dependents participated in this year's Bicycle Rodeo event held at the base pool parking lot June 6.

During the annual Bicycle Rodeo, a collaborative effort between the 36th Security Forces Squadron and 36th Wing Safety Office, instructors taught attendees proper safety techniques and how to proper use safety gear while operating several modes of wheeled transportation such as bicycles, skate boards and two-wheeled scooters.

"This event is essential because it teaches kids how to be aware of their surroundings, operate their mode of transportation safely and prevent mishaps while having fun," said Staff Sgt. Brain Caudilll, 36th SFS police services noncommissioned officer.

The bicycle rodeo was divided into two sections, bicycle safety and skate board safety.

"Both sections of this year's event focused on knowledge, inspection and maintenance of transportation parts, correct traffic safety scanning procedures, correct operation of the transportation vehicle and correct wear of safety gear," Sergeant Caudill said.

Staff from the Dededo Skate Park provided instruction for the Bicycle Rodeo during the skateboard portion.

"A quarter of the participants came for the skateboard portion alone," Sergeant Brown said. "We were pleasantly surprised with the skateboard turn-out."

The Bicycle Rodeo held some surprises for parents in attendance as well.

"It was awesome seeing my four-year-old son lose his training wheels for the first time," said Lt. Col. Kurt Kayser, 36th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "The Bicycle Rodeo integrates safety into a fun process for kids which bring the concepts down to their level. The rodeo also helps them to be aware while having fun which is a win situation for all."

Once participants finished all Bicycle Rodeo training areas, instructors issued certificates of completion.

The first place drawing prizes of a Wii gaming console, $100 and two $50 cash prizes from the 'Get Caught Doing Right Program' were also presented at the event going to Kasey Bigby, Zach McCully, Nicholas McCully and Emily Underwood.