Bedford Bike Rodeo Draws More Than 100 Children

The Bedford Police and Fire Department held their second-annual Bike Rodeo, aimed at educating local youth on bicycle safety, on Sunday, May 19 at Bedford High School.

The event drew more than 100 local children who, with the assistance of Bedford firefighters and police officers, navigated nine obstacle events, each designed to be fun and to teach youth about bike safety.

Injury prevention was the chief concern at the event, and helmet safety and head-injury prevention was a primary focus.

“Events such as these cement the image of our first responders as a community’s public servant doing more than traditional crime fighting and traffic enforcement or fire safety,” said Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski.

The bike rodeo was staffed by members of firefighter union local 3639 and police union local 1984. Bedford Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the UNH Cycling team and Riverview Bicycle Camp also contributed help to the event, and bicycle safety maintenance was provided by Alternative Bike Shop in Goffstown.

Donations were made by Hannaford’s Supermarket. After the event, families enjoyed an agility demonstration of Bedford Police Department’s motorcycle unit.