Petersburg Sheriff's Office Sponsors it's Second Annual Bike Rodeo

by Sheriff Vanessa Crawford (Kiwanis Luncheon Club) and Retired Police Chief Steve Eilert (Kiwanis Breakfast Club)

On August 6th, under cloudy skies, the Second Annual Bike Rodeo was held at the Petersburg High School Driving Range. This is attended by the children in the Summer Youth Program coordinated by Petersburg Parks and Leisure Services. This year there were 88 children participating in the event. The children's parents brought their child's bike to their neighborhood site and the bikes were collected by members of the Sheriff's Department and transported to the driving range. Members of Petersburg Fire & EMS Training Division set up the Course and inspected the bike to ensure the were in mechanical order. As the children arrived from their respective sites, they were greeted by Sheriff Crawford & Chief (Ret.) Steve Eilert who explained to them the need to wear protective gear and driving safety when riding on the roads and in neighborhoods. The Sheriff's Department and members of the Kiwanis Clubs fitted the children with their brand new bike helmets that were provided for by the Sheriff's Department, Wal-Mart, Kiwanis Club, and some from the Colonial Heights Recreation Department that had a similar program this summer.

After receiving their helmets and final bike inspections, the children were given another briefing by Captain Greg Seidel with the Petersburg Police Department and Sheriff Vanessa Crawford regarding safely operating their bicycles and the proper use of brakes. They then went through the bike obstacle course to reinforce and improve the riding skills. There was a staff member at each stage to ensure they completed the course properly.

At the conclusion of obstacle course, the children were provide lunch by the Parks and Leisure folks and to the staff by Wal-Mart. Certificates were presented to the participants for successfully completing the course.

Assisting with the bike helmet fitting are Petersburg Sheriff's Deputies S. Eaddy and P. Davis and Kiwanis Breakfast Club Secretary Deloris Addison.
Preparing helmets for the Bike Rodeo are Petersburg Breakfast Club President Cart Guthrie, Training Coordinator Deputy P. Davis with Treatment Supervisor S. Eaddy fitting child with helmet.
The children from the Petersburg Summer Youth Program are lined up after receiving their helmets.
Before riding their bike in the Rodeo, the bikes are checked over by members of the Petersburg Fire & EMS Maintenance Staff.
Children in the Petersburg Summer Youth Program going through the different stages of the Bike Rodeo Obstacle Course.
Children in the Petersburg Summer Youth Program going through the different stages of the Bike Rodeo Obstacle Course.
Captain Greg Seidel And Sheriff Vanessa Crawford go over bike safety tips before the children go through the Obstacle Course.