Youth at three Cochrane schools received a tune-up on their bike safety skills, thanks to the continued collaboration between the Cochrane Kiwanis, Bike Cochrane, and the Town of Cochrane.
Students at Glenbow and RancheView schools took part in hands-on safety education, while those at Elizabeth Barrett received bike safety packages to prepare for a summer of riding.
The initiative culminated in the largest event on June 6 at RancheView School, where 223 students from grades 2 to 4 registered to participate. They received a safety talk before heading out to one of two courses, each featuring common road signage and a series of turns to navigate. Volunteers from both the Kiwanis and Bike Cochrane lead the sessions with the support of the school's staff.
“To learn how to handle the bike with one hand, we had them throw a bean bag into a hula hoop while riding along both courses,” explained Debbie White, secretary of the Cochrane Kiwanis. “One of the courses was more advanced and the other intermediate. Both offered lots of different skills for them to learn as they progressed.”
Students also received tips on the safest and most efficient bike routes to school, and had their helmets checked for proper fit. Bike bells were donated by the Town of Cochrane, while Bike Cochrane provided free bike lights.
Bike Cochrane president Robert Martens says the goal is to prepare students for the height of the cycling season.
“This is ideal,” he said. “When they leave school in a couple of weeks, they’ll be riding their bikes every day. We all hope they remember what they learned and stay safe on the roads.”
The initiative marks a shift in approach. For the first three years, bike safety events were held as Saturday community gatherings. But due to low turnout, last year’s event was cancelled. Organizers then worked with Rocky View Schools to bring the training directly to students, with a focus on grades 2 to 4.
