The Celina Police Department and Celina Independent School District are teaming up to host a Bicycle Rodeo across Celina ISD elementary campuses. The event will kick off at Lykins Elementary on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by O'Dell Elementary on August 29, Bothwell Elementary on September 12, Martin Elementary on September 26, and concluding at Vasquez Elementary on October 10.
Public Communication Officer John Thacker shared that he and other members of the Celina Police Department have seen a noticeable increase in children riding their bikes to school. Visit any campus on a school day, and you'll find bike racks filled with bicycles and scooters throughout the fall and spring. As the number of young riders has grown, so have accidents and safety concerns. After a summer marked by e-bike and e-scooter issues in neighborhoods across the community, the timing is ideal for launching this new program.
The program aims to empower children to ride their bikes and scooters safely and confidently. Organizers want every rider to have fun, stay safe, and make smart decisions while exploring Celina on two wheels.
The Bicycle and Scooter Rodeo was developed by Celina PD's school resource officers and other department members. Drawing from the Texas Department of Public Safety's "Be Smart. Be Safe." campaign and in partnership with the Prosper Police Department's popular Bike Safety Class, the program provides practical, hands-on safety education for young riders.
Participants will practice essential skills on a cone course, learn how to perform routine bike safety checks, and master safe starting and stopping techniques. The program also covers what to do in the event of an accident. Road awareness and traffic safety are emphasized, including recognizing road signs, understanding when to pass, and knowing when to stop and walk a bike or scooter. Officers will also demonstrate proper helmet fit and usage to help ensure every rider is protected.
Because many parents begin allowing their children to ride bikes to school in third or fourth grade, the program is specifically designed for incoming third- and fourth-grade students at each campus. Celina Bicycle Police officers and each school's resource officer will lead the hands-on classes, riding alongside students throughout the rodeo. Participants will navigate obstacle courses, practice new skills, and actively engage in each activity. There may even be a special appearance by Celina's Emotional Support Dog, Darth, who will be on hand to offer a nod and a sniff in support of safe riding habits.
Registration is required and limited to 50 students per campus. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt, prizes, and a special surprise gift.
As children learn about road safety and awareness, parents are encouraged to remain vigilant as school returns to session. Drivers should pay close attention in school zones and surrounding neighborhoods. Crosswalk monitors play an important role in helping children safely cross busy streets, and their directions should always be followed. Remember, cell phone use is prohibited in school zones. With a new school year comes new traffic patterns, new students, and new campuses, making it especially important to allow extra time and practice patience during drop-off and pick-up.
Parents can register their students for the Bicycle Rodeo at shorturl.at/LUoGB. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.