The Exeter Police Department is gearing up for its 4th annual Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in partnership with Exeter Hospital and the Exeter Fire Department.

In an effort to encourage bicycle safety for youth as the warmer weather approaches, the free rodeo will be held at Lincoln Street School, 25 Lincoln St., from 9 to 11 a.m. (rain or shine) and is open to children of all ages from local communities.

The rodeo will feature a host of activities, including a new and improved agility course with added features such as ramps, games, free helmets and helmet fittings, giveaways, snacks, and more. A completion certificate will be given to those who complete the agility course.

McGruff the Crime Dog will also make a guest appearance to help promote safety thanks to assistance from Seacoast Crime Stoppers.

“We had a tremendous turnout for last year’s rodeo, but this year we’re hoping to see even more kids in attendance. We’re pleased to see the rodeo continuing to grow each year because it allows our safety message to reach more of our local youth as they prepare for another bike riding season, ” said Detective Bruce Page, who serves as the department’s community relations officer and helps organize the annual rodeo.

Staff from Exeter Hospital will be assisting with the event as well as members of the Exeter Fire Department, who will be on hand to provide bicycle safety checks.

During the rodeo, free helmets of all sizes will be provided and fitted thanks to generous donations from the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire and the Injury Prevention Center at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s (CHaD) Safe and Active Community Program.

Any child who brings his or her own helmets can also have them checked and fitted.

The rodeo will highlight the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or inline skates; making sure a bicycle is the right size for the child; the use of proper hand signals, traffic signs and signals; and wearing bright colors and reflectors, and using lights.

Under New Hampshire law, anyone under 16 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle on a public way.