Free bicycle helmets and tuneups will be featured at Tarentum’s first bike rodeo.
The event, sponsored by the borough’s Special Events Committee and police department, is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the borough marina under the Tarentum Bridge.
About 100 helmets will be available to be given out to children, Councilwoman Lou Ann Homa said.
“We’re hoping to get at least a minimum of 100 kids,” she said. “It will be a fun family day, and you can learn about some public safety.”
In Pennsylvania, children age 12 and under are required to wear helmets on bicycles, said police Officer Jeremy Howell, who will set up the rodeo course on which kids can practice their skills.
“We’ve never done anything like it before,” he said. “We’re pretty excited. We’re hoping for a pretty good showing. I think it’s going to be good for everybody.”
The Allegheny County Health Department is supplying the helmets, and will help police with fittings, Homa said.
Gatto Cycle of Tarentum will be inspecting bikes and making minor repairs, while Duster Funeral Home donated money that was used to buy safety equipment such as handle grips for those who need them.
Proper maintenance is important, Howell said.
“The last thing we need is a kid getting hurt on a bicycle because something was deficient,” he said.
At least four bicycles will be given away in a raffle, Homa said.
Borough firefighters from Eureka Fire Rescue EMS, Highland Hose and Summit Hose will participate, along with the New Kensington police SWAT vehicle, Allegheny County 911 emergency van and the Monroeville fire safety trailer.
The Pennsylvania Fish Commission will cover water and river safety, while Norfolk Southern has provided railroad safety information, Homa said.
Food trucks and local vendors also will be there.
No registration is required.
