STAFF WRITER
More than 60 children, and their families, joined the second annual Bikes, Books and Badges Bike Rodeo to learn the basics of bicycle safety Saturday.
Throughout the year, the Findlay Police Department collects lost, stolen and abandoned bikes. In the past, the department has either auctioned off the unclaimed bikes or scrapped the metal.
But the auctions cost the city money, and scrapping the bikes were a waste of bikes that were in good shape.
The department decided to partner with the Findlay School District to find new homes for the bikes -- with underprivileged children -- and so the Bikes, Books and Badges program was born.
Crime Prevention Officer Brian Dill took over the program last year, and the bike rodeo was added.
"We decided that there was an issue with bicycle safety with youth in Hancock County, so we decided it would be a good idea to do a safety event," he said.
Saturday's bike rodeo, held in the Marathon Petroleum parking lot, featured a BMX stunt show, a bicycle obstacle course, giveaways, helmet fittings, bicycle repairs, and bicycle safety lessons for children in grades three through six.
Thanks to donations from several local businesses, the program was able to reach more children this year.
"Getting the kids out on their bikes and having fun, but staying safe is the whole reason for this," Dill said.
The rodeo was funded with a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School, but Dill said the department will need to look to the community for future support.
McCarthy: 419-427-8497
colleenmccarthy@thecourier.com
Source: http://www.thecourier.com/articleredirector.asp?d=050613_story4&c=n
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