Wisconsin Rapids Freemasons Lodge conducted its third annual youth Bike Rodeo/Safety Fair on May 11. When we speak about improving the lives in our communities it begins with our children. As we enter summer and children are on their bicycles everywhere, if we can prevent one accident by teaching safe biking practices our time and resources are so very well spent.
The Bike Rodeo was held at the Grand Rapids Lions Club grounds as it provided a great layout for this event with a rain or shine option. This event integrated the Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Shriners, Widows Son Motorcycle Club, the Grand Rapids Lions Club, the Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids Police Departments and volunteers from Brings Cycle business in town. It was great to be able to integrate all of these organizations for one purpose, the safety of our children. Police officers volunteered to work this event.
The event was for children from K-5 where children can learn safe riding skills, have their bikes inspected and minor repairs or adjustments done and helmets properly fitted as well as new helmets given to those needing them at no cost. Volunteers from Brings Cycle conducted the inspections, the helmets were provided by a grant from Bell, loaner bikes were also provided to those children needing them, hot dogs, chips and drinks were provided and a chance to win a brand-new bike. Sixteen brand new boys and girls’ bikes were raffled off by grade level categories as 43 children and families attended the event. It was heartwarming to see the new bikes going to children who did not have a bike of their own as well as children of special needs or children with bikes in substantial states of repair. Police Officers, Brothers, and volunteers get just as excited as the children and their families do when they win a brand-new bike This not only was a heartwarming event but no doubt will continue to be an annual event for the community.
Submitted by Brother Jim Giese
