PHOENIX — If a parent cannot get a child to listen, maybe a police officer can get the wheels of safety turning.
"I'm excited that he's learning some bike safety...from someone other than this mom," laughed Kerry Calderon. "Because kids need to hear it in multiple ways.
One of those ways is with a Phoenix Police Department Bike Rodeo event that teaches kids everything they need to know before they pedal away.
It is a free lesson with a free helmet too.
"Before they even get on a bike, or anything with wheels - roller blades or skateboards," said Officer Steve Petrey. "They wear a helmet. We've got to protect our head."
Once the kids are strapped in, they get to hit up an obstacle course on two wheels.
"Stop. Look - left, right, left," Officer Petrey explained. "So, they're looking for any hazards, cars, other people on bikes or anything."
Calderon took her son to this recent Bike Rodeo in hopes that it will teach him to slow down and stay alert.
"It's probably one of the most dangerous things kids are doing -- just going out on their bike," Calderon said. "And it's so freeing for them that they get so excited."
Calderon told ABC15 that she recently moved to another area of the Valley because the street they lived on was getting too busy.
"I can't control these drivers, but I can control my family and my kids the best that I can," Calderon said. "So, telling kids as much and as often as possible is always so important."
These Bike Rodeo events are put on around the Valley and throughout the year.
If you would like to see when can be done in your area, you can contact the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coordinator at 602-534-0815.
