Youngsters enjoy bike rodeo in Franklin

Bike rodeo participants prepare to compete in the Serpentine challenge, an individually timed race to see who can go the fastest. This event came directly after the slow race, whose winner had to go as slow as possible without putting their feet down (By Richard Sayer).
From staff reports

PennDOT, the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Alliance Church held a free children’s bicycle rodeo Thursday in the parking lot at the Franklin Alliance Church on Otter Street.

The goal of the rodeo, which was open to youngsters ages 5 to 12, was to interest the kids in bicycling, educate them on safety requirements and instill in them safe biking habits.

The rodeo included a bike and helmet safety inspection and a variety of bike riding skill tests.

Franklin Alliance Church provided a hot dog dinner and snacks, and Safe Kids Clarion-Venango provided free bike helmets for participants in need of properly fitting safety equipment.

Brynna Baughman, 7, daughter of Sarah Baughman of Franklin; and Cash Perry, 8, son of Paula Perry of Seneca; were awarded new bicycles and accessories courtesy of the Franklin Kiwanis Club, Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E) of Venango County, and the Joe Slater Memorial.

The two were chosen through a random drawing, and they will be given the bikes next week at the Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Franklin awarded a family day pass to Miller Sibley Pool to the winners of the skills competitions. Zach Halligan, 6, was the overall winner for the 5 to 8 age group, and Frankie Kee, 12, took the top spot in the 9 to 12 age group.

The event was made possible through the additional support of Cub Scout Pack 37, State Rep. R. Lee James and the Venango County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.penndot.gov/safety.