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Tyndall Bike Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron community police and Balfour Beatty housing teamed up to host the third-annual Bike Rodeo at the Balfour Beatty community center parking lot Nov. 20.

"The Bike Rodeo is an annual event held by the Tyndall Air Force Base Community Police section in partnership with Balfour Beatty," said Technical Sgt. Nathan Spradley, 325th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of community police. "We have done three of these events now. It is a big hit with the kids in base housing."

Tyndall is not the only venue for this program.

"These events are done all over the nation by different police agencies," said Sergeant Spradley. "It is a tool used to establish rapport with the children in the community. If done properly, they (children) will not fear the cops; in fact, they will respect and admire them. This will increase the likelihood that the children will come to the police if needed."

The purpose of the event is to teach Team Tyndall dependents the importance of riding safely.

"Children are taught bike safety, hand and arm signals used while operating a bicycle on roadways, how to fit their helmets, and other vital safety procedures to ensure their safety while operating a bike," said Sergeant Spradley. "In addition, we also have them navigate a course at different speeds and teach them how to use their balance and coordination. The courses are easy, and consist of cones with minor hills."

The bike rodeo also included complimentary beverages and snacks, provided by Balfour Beatty, and a free bike raffle. Thirteen bicycles were given away.

Mrs. Julee McIntosh, a second year attendee, was lucky enough to have all three of her children receive bikes from the raffle.

"I love the idea of the bike rodeo," said Mrs. Julee McIntosh. "The kids and the parents learn a lot about bike safety."