The Annual Jim Wechsler Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair is typically held downtown at the CCBA—but this year, on June 2nd, the event is coming to each kid’s door! Well, almost. The City is working with various partners to assemble Bike Rodeo-to-Go kits through the Recreation & Parks Department Inspire Play Packs. The packs go out to approximately 400 students each week through the SAU88 School District’s lunch distribution program. Each week has a different theme and the Bike Rodeo kits theme will be focused on BIKE-WALK SAFETY AND SKILLS for an ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFE.
Parents: Each bag - a high-visibility color hip-pack - will come with instructional packets on bike, walk and road activities and rules, a bike tune-up coupon, snacks, a cooling towel, bike fitting guidance, route suggestions, and high-visibility reflective bands from the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, among other stimulating and useful items provided by generous partners.
Also, the City is taking multi-sport helmet orders (free) in advance, thanks to donations from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth. If you would like to order a children’s helmet, contact Rebecca Owens, owens@lebanonnh.gov for sizing instructions and pick-up location. The helmets must be picked up and will be provided separately from the play packs.
Sponsors/Partners: Please consider matching contributions from CHaD, Lebanon Police, Planning and Recreation Departments, Alice Peck Day Hospital, The Co-op Food Stores, and Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, among others. Help us to energize kids for the joy that awaits them in their kits! Your toy/gear, service, food, or cash donation will support active transportation skills, bike and walk safety, and food access in Lebanon, especially as families juggle COVID-19 logistics.
When you contribute to active transportation and local resilience, you send a powerful message to these students: “We care about you and your families and we’re going to get through this together, just fine.” It’s a lesson in generosity with immeasurable dividends. To make a donation please contact us or donate online through our CivicRec portal.
Please visit the Lebanon Pedestrian and Bicyclist Advisory Committee page to learn more about its functions.