Fox Chapel Police Department bike rodeo promotes bicycle safety

Multiple Fox Chapel area families are riding their bicycles a little safer thanks to their borough’s first responders.

The police department’s annual bicycle rodeo took place May 17 at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church parking lot along Fox Chapel Road.

Sgt. Craig Sorg and several other officers handed out helmets, pumps, bike locks and other free equipment.

They also organized an obstacle course with orange cones and provided hot dogs and refreshments.

Foxwall EMT Camden Dean brought one of the company’s mountain bikes equipped with various first aid and other tools.

An ambulance was also at the rodeo for families to explore.

Foxwall’s bike team helps provide support at various public events, including the recent Pittsburgh Marathon.

Fox Chapel volunteer firefighters brought one of their trucks and talked to folks about fire safety.

Sorg estimated that about 24 families participated in the two-hour event. Two lucky raffle ticket holders each won a new bicycle.

Resident Ana West brought her daughter, Sloan, 6, to the rodeo.

West said Sloan received a bicycle for her birthday on May 4 and this was their first opportunity to ride in the community.

Sloan had received a helmet at a Fox Chapel Area School District’s Community Safety, Health & Wellness Event last month.

The mother said they had a great time at both events, and the family was somehow able to keep the bike present a secret despite what turned out to be a big hint.

Shane Muro, mechanic at Pro Bike+Run Pittsburgh’s Monroeville location, did free bike safety checks. His safety tips include having well-inflated tires and good brakes before riding.

The bike rodeo is one of many community events organized by the police department. They also host pumpkin painting with Foxwall EMS at the police station in October, and present Fox Chapel Day at McCahill Park in June.