This past Saturday, the Ames Public Library transformed into a hub of two-wheeled (and three-wheeled!) excitement as more than 100 community members turned out for the Bike Rodeo! The event was a celebration of bike safety, learning, and fun, thanks to a tremendous team effort from volunteers, local organizations, and dedicated bike enthusiasts.
Kids came ready to ride, bringing bikes, trikes, and even scooters to navigate a series of fun and educational safety course. They practiced important skills like stopping, turning, and signaling—all while gaining confidence and having a blast. The event also featured a visit from a CyRide city bus, offering families a hands-on opportunity to learn how to put their bike on the bus bike rack. It was an engaging way to help riders of all ages think more broadly about transportation safety in our community.
A huge thank you goes out to the many volunteers who made the event possible. From staffing stations and fitting helmets to cheering on young riders, their enthusiasm created a welcoming and supportive environment for all who participated.
We’re especially grateful to Skunk River Cycles, who provided on-site bike maintenance and safety checks. Their expert mechanics tuned up bikes, fixed small issues, and ensured every ride was safe and ready to roll. Their support was an essential part of making the day a success.
Events like the Bike Rodeo show how powerful community partnerships can be—and how much fun learning about safety can actually be! Thanks to everyone who joined us. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
Iowa Safe Routes to School is funded through a matching grant, help us raise our 20% of the grant right here to continue our efforts to expand active transportation opportunities across the state. Thank you.