The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Safe Kids Erie County will host a free children’s bicycle rodeo in the City of Erie to encourage safe riding habits this summer.
The event, which is open to children of all ages, will take place Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in the parking lot of East Middle School. If there is inclement weather, the event will be moved inside to the school gymnasium.
Activities will begin at 4:00 PM and continue until 6:00 PM. All children should bring a bicycle and helmet and be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can sign a permission slip for participation.
All riders will have the opportunity to navigate an obstacle course that teaches important bike safety skills such as balance, maneuvering around turns, and utilizing proper hand signals.
Helmet inspections will be completed for all children and a limited supply of new helmets will be available courtesy of UPMC Hamot Trauma Services and the Hamot Health Foundation.
Bicycle inspections and minor repairs will be done by Bert’s Bikes and Fitness and the Erie Bike Cooperative. A handful of differently-sized bikes will be available for children to use during the event if they do not own their own.
Each child who participates in the event will be entered into a random drawing for a new bicycle donated by UPMC Hamot Trauma Services and the Hamot Health Foundation.
A light meal will be provided by PA Rep. Pat Harkins and Sam’s Club.
Pre-registration is encouraged and can be done by visiting www.penndot.pa.gov/district1 and selecting the “Bike Rodeo Registration” link under the “Public Resources” section.
Additional sponsors for the event include the Erie Blue Coats, the City of Erie Police Department, the City of Erie Fire Department, the Erie County Department of Health, the Highway Safety Network, the Erie Children’s Museum, and Shriners Children’s Erie, and EmergyCare.
For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT: Saxon Daugherty, sadaughert@pa.gov or 814-678-7095
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