Cranberry Police Department hosts annual bike rodeo

June 29, 2024 Last Updated: June 30, 2024 06:25 PM Local News

From left, Samuel, Oakley and Everest Eisenreich enjoy the annual Bike Rodeo on Saturday in Cranberry Township. The event, which is organized by the Cranberry Township Police Department, promotes bicycle safety through fun activities. VAYDA PASCARELLA/BUTLER EAGLE

CRANBERRY TWP — With their helmets on and bicycles newly inspected, young township residents not only had a fun morning out, but they also learned important lessons about bicycle safety.

The Cranberry Township Police Department Bike Rodeo was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29.

“It’s nice to be able to get involved with the community,” said Lieutenant William Ahlgren of the township police, who coordinates the event.

In addition to having helmet fittings and bicycle safety inspections provided by Trek Bicycle, community partners included Cranberry EMS, Cranberry Elks, AAA East Central, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

After volunteers ensured each youngster’s helmet was properly fitted, and with their bicycles deemed safe, the participants pedaled through an obstacle course to practice skills like hand signaling that they learned from volunteers.

At one tent, attendees could spin a wheel and answer questions on bicycle safety, laws regarding safety, school buses, and being a pedestrian.

Asked why the event is important, Terri Rae Anthony, a volunteer from AAA East Central, said, “it shows kids you can have fun and be safe.”

The event aims to teach children responsible bicycle riding and the rules of the road.

“It’s really nice. I like coming here,” Anthony said.

Scouting BSA Troop 405 members were some of the volunteers who helped to manage the course and show cyclists how to control their bicycles on the course.

“I think it teaches kids to ride bikes in a safe manner,” Troop 405 volunteer Mike Braun said.

As the children rode their bikes along the course, the volunteers guided them through, and Ahlgren demonstrated his cycling skills as well.

Cranberry residents Oakley and Everest Eisenreich were two young cyclists who successfully navigated the course.

“We’re having such a great time,” the boys’ mother, Cassandra Eisenreich, said.

In addition to the obstacle course, the event also featured giveaways and raffles.

Sophia Moser, 4, gets fitted for a bike helmet by Melanne Roney with the Cranberry Elks 2249 during the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Samuel Marsh, 4, completes an obstacle course with the help of Midnight Braun of Scout Troop at the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Samuel Marsh, 4, completes an obstacle course with the help of Midnight Braun of Scout Troop 405 at the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Samuel Marsh, 4, high fives Midnight Braun of Scout Troop 405 after finishing an obstacle course at the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Garrett Talkington with Trek Bicycle in Cranberry performs bike inspections during the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Samuel Marsh, 4, rides the obstacle course set up at the annual Bike Rodeo hosted by the Cranberry Township Police Department at Kid Castle Park in the Cranberry Township Community Park on Saturday, June 29. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle