Train the kids, teach the parents

MAN was it freakin' hot today. But WOW did families turn out for the HF Bike Rodeo. Hosted by Homewood Church and HF Park District, Homewood & Flossmoor Police Departments, and Active Transportation Alliance. More than 120 kids came through, ALL got educated on helmet fit & basic bike handling skills and I think, better yet, so did their parents. I trained the helmet-fitting volunteers, and I can tell you you'll never, ever ride pass any of them with an ill-fitted helmet. Byron's Cycling's trials team did stunt riding demos, Aurelio's and DQ fed everyone.

Volunteers from the the Homewood Church, police departments, park district turned out big time. But indulge me as I call out a particular volunteer, ActiveTrans member Nancy Walsh. Nancy is a Homewood resident, and is a stalwart champion for better bicycling and our right to the streets. If you're local, she's the petite woman riding with good form down 183rd St., one of our streets that intimidates most bike riders. She spent four hours with us today in that stinky, stupefying heat, helping me loan bikes out to kids who came without a ride.

We had a great day. Pictures are here.