On the beautiful morning of Saturday, June 22, the Maple Valley Police Bicycle Rodeo at Lake Wilderness Park provided an excellent opportunity for new bicycle riders to hone their skills. Children ages 10 and under were able to practice essential cycling skills, such as navigating around distracted pedestrians in crosswalks and maneuvering around “boulders,” painted foam pieces on the road.

Sixty-two kids took turns overcoming these obstacles under the guidance of Officer Baldwin and Master Police Officer Olmsted, along with the assistance of the Maple Valley Explorers, a volunteer program for young adults to participate in community events and police training. This year, the event was joined by Bicycle Rescue for Youth, a nonprofit organization which set up bike stations and ensured that the participants’ brakes and tire pressure were in top condition before they took on the course. Along with great memories, each child received a certificate, safety reflectors, and other cool giveaways at the conclusion of the event.

Maple Valley Police contracts with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) to develop this annual event, as the officers who lead it are KCSO deputies. View photos and more information at https://www.facebook.com/MapleValleyPolice.