Have you, a family member, or a child that you know had troubles riding a bicycle in and around your neighborhood, and now are too afraid to ride anywhere? Unsure how to negotiate a pothole in traffic or make emergency maneuvers to keep you and yours safe? Now you have a chance to find out how. On Monday, May 30, 9:00am - 12:00, the Quad Cities Bicycle Club will be holding an all age's bike rodeo to coincide with the Quad Cities Criterium.

The rodeo will teach children and adults alike how to wear a helmet, do a quick check of the bike, and practice scenarios to enhance skills needed to ride safely in all situations. Whether it is a child riding the sidewalks and dealing with the "Dangerous Driveway" or teens and adults learning how to negotiate a left turn from a left turn lane or lane positioning, most problem areas will be worked on. After participating in a rodeo or volunteering to work the rodeo, one can come away feeling better about riding a bicycle in areas they might not felt as comfortable to ride in. If it is not fun or too dangerous to do, it usually doesn't get done. And in bicycles, everyone should enjoy the benefits of cycling. Whether it is riding to school or to your job, predictable behavior on the road can save one's life in more ways than one.

Please encourage your local school, PTA/PTO's, and other organizations that promote good health to come and enjoy the benefits of riding a bicycle during our Memorial Weekend of Bicycles.

The rodeo is FREE and will offer many activities to try that weekend. The children will also get to race the Roger De Langhe Youth 2-10 Trike & Bike Races FREE on Monday during lunchtime at the criterium.

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, so if you or your family are interested and just want to help in teaching someone how to safely ride a bike, please e-mail Donnie Miller at bcycleracr@mchsi.com or call his cell phone at 309-737-8270.

The most convenient parking is across the street from the Bike Rodeo. However, for your safety, DO NOT attempt to cross the racecourse on 1st Ave. Please walk down 17th St, to the Great River Plaza, where there will be crossing guards to assist you in crossing the racecourse safely.