LANSING, Ill. (June 18, 2023) – Families with young biking enthusiasts gathered at the Walmart parking lot yesterday for a Bike Rodeo aimed at promoting bicycle safety and skills. The event, which took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., saw participants up to 13 years old engage in various activities designed to enhance their biking confidence. Sgt. Dana Tatgenhorst of the Lansing Police Department and Vanh Thongsawath of Walmart worked together to ensure the event’s success.
Under the bright Saturday sun, Sgt. Tatgenhorst did a safety check on each bike, ensuring that tires and brakes were in good functioning condition. A promotional flyer distributed by Thongsawath had reminded participants to bring their helmets as well as their bikes, and with their helmets properly fitted, kids were allowed to bike the Riding Course that Tatgenhorst had set up in a designated area of the Walmart parking lot. Participants showcased their cycling abilities through a series of challenges that tested their maneuvering skills and their braking techniques.
Walmart’s provided refreshments and giveaways for participants, including raffles for three bicycles.
Thongsawath believes the Bike Rodeo provided an opportunity for families to enjoy a day of outdoor fun, but also served as a platform to educate participants on essential bike safety measures. This was the first Bike Rodeo at Walmart, and she considered it an important part of Walmart’s ongoing efforts to enhance community safety.
Sgt. Tatgenhorst hopes to make the Bike Rodeo an annual event and hopes attendance will increase as word spreads.
By the end of the two-hour event, participants had gained a sense of accomplishment and heightened awareness of safe biking practices. The Lansing Police Department posted a thank-you to Walmart on their official Facebook page: “Thank you Walmart for your continued support for the Lansing Illinois Police Department and the community.”
The Lansing, Illinois, Walmart is located at 17625 Torrence Avenue.
