Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 5th Annual Bike Safety and Rodeo at Pence Elementary

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host its 5th Annual Bike Safety and Rodeo program for after-school students at Pence Elementary. This engaging, educational event is made possible by the generous support of our Presenting Sponsors: Jefferson County Health Center and Dexter Laundry. Thanks to our Materials Sponsors, Impact Fitness and The Ride Bike Shop, the entire program is offered free of charge to participating students.

Throughout the two-day event, Chamber volunteers lead a series of fun, hands-on safety stations covering key bike skills such as hand signals, recognizing road signs, understanding traffic rules, basic bike maintenance, and the "ABCs of bike safety." A crowd favorite—the egg drop experiment—helps children understand the importance of always wearing a helmet.

New this year: Jefferson County Health Center will guide students in creating and decorating a first aid kit for their bikes—a creative and practical addition to the program.

The bike safety stations run Tuesday and Thursday, leading up to the much-anticipated Bike Rodeo on Friday. This exciting obstacle course allows students to practice turning, starting and stopping, and navigating around others safely.

Reminder: Watch for young cyclists around Pence Elementary on Friday, May 2, as students are encouraged to ride their bikes to school. Our friends at The Ride Bike Shop will also bring extra bikes so everyone can participate. Before the rodeo, all students will be fitted for helmets. Those without a properly fitting or undamaged helmet will receive a free replacement, thanks to a generous donation of 50 helmets from Blank Children’s Hospital.

Six lucky students will also receive a brand-new bike, 2 donated by TrafFix Devices and 4 from AERON Lifestyle Technology, who each contributed two bikes to the cause.

The celebration wraps up with a graduation ceremony at 4:10 p.m. at the shelter on the Pence playground, where families are invited to cheer on their young riders. Students will enjoy popsicles and, new this year, every child will receive a free book, courtesy of Cranston Family Funeral Homes.

“Nothing beats the moment a child realizes they can ride without training wheels,” said Mendy McAdams, Executive Director of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event empowers kids with both the confidence and knowledge to ride safely—and that’s something they’ll carry with them for life.”

Held each May during National Bike Safety Month, this event reflects Fairfield’s strong biking culture—thanks in part to our city’s 16 miles of loop trail. By introducing young students to these important safety skills, we hope to encourage more children to ride to school with confidence.

Additionally, thanks to generous funding from AERON Lifestyle Technology, Fairfield Police Officers will be handing out free ice cream certificates from Dairy Bar to kids spotted riding safely with helmets. Officers will also be equipped to provide helmets to students in need (while supplies last).

We’re incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who make this event possible—including Chamber Board members, committee members, ambassadors, sponsors, and community friends. Your time and energy make a lasting impact.

We encourage all parents to attend the graduation ceremony at 4:10 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at the Pence playground shelter.