North Port Positive

  “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” ― Plato 

Last Friday I witnessed the good actions of the Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club firsthand by attending a bicycle rodeo in North Port.  Granted June is not the idea time to be conducting bicycle drills on a black top, I liked the concept of having the rodeo as part of the Parks and Recreation Department summer camp.  The kids liked it too.

A thumbs up for bicycle safety education!

According to SMBC president Bud Gaunce, the club hosts a few bicycle rodeos throughout the year, but this was the first in North Port during the summer camp.  Club members who regularly volunteer to work the rodeos have the set-up down to a science, team up at their favorite drill, and partake in a post-event discussion on how to improve for the next one.  I was inspired and happy to be a part of what one club member stated as, “the best thing the club does”.

Over 100 children, ages 3 to 14, participated in the bicycle rodeo.  City of North Port Recreation Program Director for Parks and Recreation Jay Auxier stated in an email, “Best thing that we’ve done for the kids this summer!”

City of North Port Program Coordinator Kathy Forsyth commented,

“The children all had such a good time.  The parents that have been picking up the children are amazed with the helmets.  Hopefully our bikers of the future will have a better appreciation and understanding  of the rules of the road.”

Thank you Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club for the “positive spin” and good actions to inspire the youth and community of North Port.  Keep up the good work!

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