Second time’s a charm for Riverhead PAL’s Bicycle Rodeo. For two years in a row, the annual bicycle safety event for kids got rained out on its scheduled date but enjoyed a sunny “take two” the day after.
This year’s rodeo, which took place yesterday at Stotzky Park, had 45 kids in grades K-6 compete for brand new bicycles and other prizes donated by local businesses and the police organization.
“It’s a chance for children and police officers to interact and an important opportunity to teach bicycle safety skills,” said Lt. Rick Boden, who oversees the PAL program in Riverhead.
Children test their skills on several courses mapped out in the parking lot at the town park. Their efforts are scored by police officers and their overall scores tallied to determine the top point-earners. First place girls and boys in each of three grade categories (K-2, 3-4 and 5-6) go home with new bikes. The “best effort” award in each grade category earned three other lucky children new bikes as well.
The bike rodeo is a longstanding tradition in Riverhead, going back about 30 years, Boden said.
At least one parent on hand yesterday recalled participating in the rodeo every year as a kid — and going home with a few new bikes along the way. Following in his father’s footsteps, Coy Witt, son of Chris Witt took home a brand new bike as a first place finisher in the K-2 category. Coy immediately gifted it to his little brother, Lincoln.
“It turned out to be a great day,” Boden said.
Bicycle winners were:
K-2
1st place: Paola Talencia & Coy Witt
Best effort: Naomi Illares
3-4
1st place: Emily Peters & David Byrnes
Best effort: Declan Purcell
5-6
1st place: Amelia Stevenson & Xavier Moore
Best effort: Kevin Illares
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