The Utah Highway Safety Office provides fully equipped bicycle rodeo trailers at no cost to help communities teach children essential riding skills and road safety through hands-on simulations.
Program details and target age
The bicycle rodeo program, a partnership between the Highway Safety Office and Utah Emergency Medical Services for Children, targets children between the ages of 4 and 13. The program utilizes a road course designed to teach participants how to navigate real-life situations, including intersections, pedestrians, stop signs, and traffic lights.
Event structure and volunteer needs
Each rodeo event follows a structured flow consisting of a short lecture on bicycle safety, a safety check for both the rider and the bicycle, and a skills course simulation. Organizers are encouraged to use 8 to 10 volunteers to staff various stations throughout the course.
Importance of formal safety training
The Highway Safety Office notes that formal training is necessary because modern roadways are more crowded and can be intimidating for new bicyclists. The program emphasizes that since a bicycle is considered a vehicle, children must learn the rules of the road to ride with confidence.
Requirements for hosting an event
To host an event, organizers must submit a trailer reservation form and a contract via email. The program requires borrowers to provide a certificate of liability insurance for at least $1 million in personal and property general liability, and all participants must sign an informed consent form.
