This past Saturday, August 3rd, we had an incredible time at the Back to School Bash and Bike Rodeo at Apopka Memorial Middle School. With back to school around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh safety essentials for kids who are walking, biking, and rolling to school. This brought about a collaboration with Bike/Walk Central Florida and Orange County District 2 to put on an event that combined teaching bike safety, giving out school supplies, and holding meet-and-greets with different local government agencies.
A Morning of Fun and Learning
Over 5,000 kids are reported to be within biking and walking distance to their school in the area, underscoring the need to make sure kids are safe. The event kicked off with helmet fittings, with 109 helmets distributed, and bike safety education sessions. Our dedicated volunteers ensured that every child had a properly fitted helmet and understood the importance of bike safety. Parents and caregivers in attendance were also encouraged to participate in learning and bike rodeo activities.
Bike Giveaway Highlights
One of the day’s highlights was our bike giveaway of to kids in the community! The joy and excitement on their faces were priceless as they received their bikes, ready to embark on new adventures. Geared toward kids in the 6-14 age group, who are starting to ride more independently and are likely walking or biking to school on their own or with a chaperone, promoting alternative transportation methods to school.
Biking Skills Courses and Coaching
Our bike rodeo featured engaging skills courses designed to teach kids essential biking skills. “Bike/Walk Central Florida’s Skills Course was a welcome addition to my Inaugural Back to School Bash and Bike Giveaway,” says Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, District 2. “We gave away more than 100 bicycles and then students received helmets plus training on their brand new bicycles. This was valuable to so many students and their families as we head back to school in Orange County and work to put safety first.”
Community Spirit and Support
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous support from our volunteers, parents, and community partners. The sense of community spirit made the day even more special.
Groups representing People of Wekiwa Springs, People of Lockhart, People of Southern Apopka, People of Clarcona-Ocoee, Ride Mount Dora, Orange County Fire Rescue, Lake Monroe Hospital (HCA Healthcare), Florida Freewheelers, Ride Mount Dora, and Bike/Walk Central Florida board members and friends assisted with fitting and checking bikes, conducting helmet fittings and coaching kids through skill stations.
Generous donations from Advent Health and Disney made the bike giveaway possible. The Commissioner’s office also gave away backpacks filled with school supplies for everyone who attended. Other tabling partners were the Kona Ice, Snowie, Mixfruit Smoothies, Sprouts, Orlando Magic, Office of Emergency Management, Orange County Fire Rescue, Apopka Fire Department, Apopka Police Department, Orange County Parks & Recreation, and Orange County Sherriff’s Office.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this year’s Back to School Bash and Bike Rodeo, we are already looking forward to planning future events that promote bike safety and healthy, active lifestyles for children. “Bike/Walk Central Florida will work tirelessly to advocate for safer routes for kids that bike and walk to school,” says Emily Bush, Executive Director, Bike/Walk Central Florida.
Check out the amazing moments from our Back to School Bash and Bike Rodeo! Visit our Flickr channel to view all the event photos and relive the excitement. Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives from Bike/Walk Central Florida.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event. Together, we are making our community safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Join us in making a lasting impact! Sponsor a future Bike/Walk Kids event and help shape safer, healthier communities. Reach out to Anna Strasshoffer for sponsorship details, or make a direct difference by contributing to our Gear Up: Helmets for Every Kid campaign. Your support equips children with the safety gear they need—let’s protect the next generation together.
