On Saturday, May 21, local volunteers rose early to delight children and families, in the Reno-Sparks area, with free bicycle repair education and services at Traner Middle School.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., community members braved the crisp air to visit the school and learn the basics of bicycle care. Inside the cafeteria, volunteers ran a number of repair stations as well as games and activities for kids.
So many attended that volunteers set up a fourth repair station in addition to the three already going.
For children, volunteers also held a "Bike Rodeo" obstacle course outside at the former tennis courts. Participants in the course, fitted with free helmets, experienced how to properly make a stop at stop signs, glance over one's shoulder to check for oncoming traffic, signal for turning, and navigate tight spaces.
Children enjoyed the course so much that many challenged it more than once.
The non-profit Kiwanis Club of Downtown Sparks in partnership with the Reno Housing Authority hosted the day's events as part of the Kiwanis Bike Program. To serve the children of the world, the Bike Program strives to prevent pediatric trauma across northern Nevada.
Volunteers also included students from Nevada CKI, the University of Nevada, Reno chapter of Circle K International. CKI is a collegiate branch of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs, emphasizing service, leadership, and fellowship.
Although students enjoy their summer break, they continue to participate in community service projects.
"I love that we get to offer kids the chance to learn important and often overlooked information...in a fun, hands on way," said Audrey Roman, college sophomore.
For more on upcoming events from the Kiwanis Bike Program, check out their website.
Their next event is "Riding on the River," a family festival at Cottonwood Park on Saturday, June 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature games for kids, bike decorating, a bike parade, rides for all ages and levels, as well entertainment and movies after.
If the next is anything like the last, it will surely be great fun for the family.
