BANGOR, Maine — The town of Lincoln held its annual Bike Rodeo on Saturday morning.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine set up a bicycle obstacle course for children ages 4 to 10. The children navigated through bumps, jumps, quick turns, and stop signs.
“It’s our favorite thing of the year. It’s their favorite community event," Ashley Mitchell, a volunteer at the Bike Rodeo, said.
Mitchell said her son was so excited about it that he woke up at 6 a.m. to get ready.
The first 60 children who arrived received a free helmet donated by the Brady Nickerson Foundation and Health Access Network. The helmets were also fitted by the Quest Club.
“It’s exciting. It’s a good experience for the kids. They get to learn a little bit about traffic laws with the stops and yields," Ralph Perkins, a Lincoln father of five, said.
The obstacle course was designed not only to make the course interesting but also educational.
“It is important for our kids, especially as they grow up and bike by themselves like two of mine do, to learn that they have to follow the rules of the road just like adults in cars do,” Mitchell said.
Lisa Noyes, Lincoln’s community events coordinator, also helped direct bike traffic. She said she hopes the kids who made it through the obstacle course learn valuable lessons.
“I hope they remember, ride on the right side of the road. I hope that they are looking out for oncoming traffic. I hope they are looking out for each other as they are making their rides. And I hope that they continue to wear their bike helmets," Noyes said.
On top of free helmets, 10 lucky kids also won a new bike donated by the Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union, Machias Savings Bank, and The Waterfront.