The Kutztown Borough Police Department hosted its annual Community Bike Rodeo on Sunday, June 8 at Kutztown High School, drawing approximately 50 young riders and their families for a day of fun, learning, and confidence-building on two wheels.
Children of all ages participated in a series of hands-on activity stations designed to teach essential bicycle safety skills—ranging from signaling turns and obeying traffic signs to navigating obstacle courses and practicing sudden stops. Among the biggest milestones of the day: at least two young riders removed their training wheels for the first time, supported by cheering family members and helpful officers.
The event was designed to help kids build the confidence and knowledge they need to ride safely in their communities, while also promoting positive interactions with local police officers.
The event featured multiple stations staffed by local police, EMS, and safety volunteers, including: A “Stop on a Dime” braking challenge. Helmet fittings and giveaways. Bike safety checkups. A mini traffic course teaching the rules of the road. A creative bike maintenance area—even for tricycles!
Free bike helmets were provided by AAA of Berks County, helping ensure every child left safer than they arrived. Representatives were on hand to distribute helmets, offer sizing tips, and promote bicycle visibility.
The Kutztown Lions Club provided snacks and refreshments for all guests, while Rita’s of Kutztown cooled the crowd with free water ice—making the warm afternoon even more enjoyable.
Community partners including Kutztown University Police, Kutztown Fire Company, Topton Ambulance, and Reading Hospital were also present, offering interactive educational materials and a visible reminder that bike safety is a shared community effort.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when an officer jogged alongside a young girl taking her first ride without training wheels—an image that captured the spirit of the event.
The Bike Rodeo is part of the department’s broader commitment to community outreach and youth engagement, aiming to strengthen relationships while reinforcing safety through positive, supportive interactions.
