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For any motorcyclists at Ramstein Air Base, or in the Department of Defense for that matter, a basic motorcycle rider course must be completed before riding on base. In some places it is required even before purchasing a motorcycle. On the other hand, riding your bicycle on base requires no course at all.
Luckily, for beginner bicycle riders and for the parents of those riders, the 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron held a bicycle rodeo to help teach new riders and refresh the memory of some more experienced riders.
More than 25 servicemember dependents freshened up on old riding skills, learned new ones, and practiced their hand signals at the Bicycle Rodeo held by the 569th USFPS July 9 at Vogelweh Elementary School.
“The idea of the bicycle rodeo was to give bicycle riders a place and an opportunity to safely practice their riding skills,” said Senior Airman Adam Ross, 569th USFPS bicycle patrol.
The event was targeted for bicyclists ages 5-14. The rodeo was comprised of seven stations ranging from hand-arm signals to bicycle coordination while riding at the slowest rate of speed.
“I really enjoyed the rodeo,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wendell Johnson, U.S. Army Medical Material Center Europe chief of clinical engineering. “I am confident to let my daughter ride her bicycle knowing that she knows what to do if she is caught in a traffic situation.”
Participants had their bicycles inspected and learned about and practiced bicycle-handling skills. Johnson’s daughter, Savana, said her favorite station was the one that simulated a paper route. “I really enjoyed throwing the newspapers into the boxes,” Savana said.
Ross said the 569th USFPS hoped to do more bicycle rodeos in the future and wanted to remind participants of some safety necessities.
“All bicycle riders should wear their personal protective equipment,” he said. “This includes a helmet, closed-toe shoes, and knee and elbow pads for beginners.” Whether needing a refresher or a full-blown lesson on bicycle safety, the bicycle rodeo is the place to get the information needed.
