In El Paso County, a collective of local organizations has come together to offer guidance and protection for the youngest among cyclists. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), alongside Justice of the Peace Lucilla Najera, the local business Border Bicycle, and the El Paso police and fire departments, recently held a community bike rodeo designed to instill the rules of the road in children.
According to a story from TxDOT, the free event turned a grocery store loading zone into a practical learning area, complete with an obstacle course. TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Stephanie Carbajal-Atilano stressed the importance of understanding road rules. "It is important for everyone to know the rules of the road when we are out on the road, whether we are a driver or a cyclist because we share the road," she said.
Part of the rodeo involved police bike patrol officers who took on the role of educators. They taught kids not just the basic rules but also provided tailored coaching. "We are trying to educate the young kids on bike safety as well as what type of safety equipment they need to be wearing while riding," El Paso Police Department sergeant Javier Reyes told TxDOT.
Prior to hitting the course, the rodeo also offered essential safety gear fittings and bike wellness checks. Helmets were adjusted for safety, and bikes were inspected for tire pressure and chain condition, tasks at which Adrian Yanez of Border Bicycle lent his expertise. “Obviously if you have a bike that has something wrong with it can be dangerous, it can be a hazard, and can cause a crash,” Yanez explained in a statement obtained by TxDOT.
The obstacle course included practical exercises such as braking, stopping at red lights, and being vigilant of others, ensuring the kids left more adept in bike safety. The communal effort, underscored by a desire to protect and empower, was praised by Judge Najera. "I’m extremely humbled because I wouldn’t have done it by myself," Najera humbly expressed. "I’m humbled that we as a community are out here (because of) the importance of teaching our kids."
