Oil City’s youth have an opportunity to gear up for summer next Saturday at a bike rodeo organized by PennDOT, VFW Post 464 and the Venango County Sheriff’s office.
The free event, which will be held in the VFW’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30., aims to educate children about the importance of bicycle safety before they get their bikes out at the end of the school year.
Activities such as a figure eight, a mock road scenario, a turning maze and a slow race will be used to present the educational material in a fun manner.
All children in Oil City ages 5 to 12 are eligible to take part in the activities, but each participant will need to bring a bike and a helmet.
Deputy sheriff Mellissa Crispin said 101 helmets, donated by Safe Kids of Clarion and Venango counties, will be given away to children who need them, but it will be a first come, first serve basis.
Registration will not take place until the day of the event, but everyone who does register will be entered into a drawing for a new bike.
The winner will be chosen at the end of the bike rodeo and the bike will be delivered at a later date to ensure it is the correct size for the recipient.
All participants will receive a free lunch and a goodie bag.
