Several Riverbank youngsters were the happy recipients of free bicycles given away this past week.
On Wednesday, 21 donated bikes were given away, from the tiny, training wheel models, to the full-sized, 26-inch wheel bicycles, eliciting lots of smiles on the evening of Wednesday, July 13.
Instead of the Community Center Park location where road work is underway, the annual Bike Rodeo, Health and Safety Fair event was held in Plaza del Rio Park and on Third Street, just in front of City Hall North.
The festivities were co-sponsored by the City of Riverbank, Riverbank Police Services, and Central Valley Community Resources.
CVCR organizer Darlene Martinez, who is also a member of the city council, reported that the bicycles were donated by members of the community.
She said, “Donations were received from Riverbank Police Services, F&M Bank, Oakdale Bike Shop, Royal Neighbors of America, Marilyn McRitchie, Fun Sport Bikes, and CVCR.”
The vendors and information booths that participated included: Safe Kids of Stanislaus County, led by Doctors Medical Center, which gave out free cycling helmets to kids who wanted one. Girl Scout Heart of Central California, Riverbank Federated Women’s Club, Golden Valley Health Center, Riverbank S.T.A.R.S, Modesto Police Traffic Department, Riverbank Police Services, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department all participated in the event.
“Thanks to our Chief of Police Services, Ed Ridenour, Community Services Officer Ana Davalos, and Council Member Luis Uribe for assisting with the event,” Martinez added. “Free bike registration was provided for those that rode their bike to the event and winners of the bike raffle also received a free bike registration.”
All participants were given water bottles provided by CVCR, backpacks, and hand sanitizer. Another raffle drawing by CVCR was staged for all participants to receive goody bags with water toys, bubble makers, and a $10 gift card from Jamba Juice.
“Unfortunately,” she noted, “the bike wheelie and trick contest for ages 13 to 18 was not very well attended. There were riders who came but did not have their parent’s consent to participate.”
Information provided ahead of time stated that parental consent was required.
Chief Ridenour said that, overall, the event was successful.
“Our bike rodeo went very well this year,” he said. “This year the venue was moved downtown because of the construction on Santa Fe Street, which actually turned out to be great. There was more shade downtown and it proved to be a great way to attract people to our downtown area and small businesses.”
CSO Ana Davalos agreed that the new location was a great set up especially with all the shade on a hot day.
Participants learned about bicycle safety, received a free helmet, traveled through the safety obstacle course, enjoyed some delicious food and many walked away with a new bicycle or raffle gift.
“Some of the highlights were seeing the little kids go through the safety course riding their bikes with Deputy Maldonado guiding them,” stated Davalos. “Some took initiative and continued to ride it over and over again. Another highlight was seeing families who needed a bike win a bike, as well as the priceless reactions of the children running up to see their new bike they won.”
The consensus from those that attended was despite the heat the Bike Rodeo was a success.
“Bike Rodeo was great and a lot of kids left smiling riding new bicycles,” mentioned Deputy Za Xiong.
“All in all, the event was a great success and we look forward to next year’s event,” expressed Ridenour. “We hope to host it again downtown.”
News reporter Virginia Still contributed to this story.
