By SAMANTHA GHOLAR
sgholar@newssun.com
LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid Police Department spent the weekend giving back to the community in a big way.
For the fifth year, the LPPD held its Bike Rodeo and invited children and youth throughout the community to come be a part of the informative and fun event.
"It's our biggest event of the year," said event coordinator and LPPD Officer Heather Mulligan.
Chief Phil Williams expressed his satisfaction with his staff's efforts to have the event each year.
"The officers and volunteers that work this event work hard to organize and gather kids ... Lake Placid Police Department has become the example for area bike safety," Williams said.
The event can be described as a "cycling and skills clinic," according to Mulligan. The Bike Rodeo is sponsored by a number of local businesses, organizations and individuals as well as by state departments.
"The state provided us with free safety helmets. We got about 500 helmets. We also have other safety items - blinky lights, reflective bracelets and other things. We get donations from all over town to put this event together," Mulligan said.
Throughout the day, LPPD officers and volunteers give safety lessons and tips to children. The event gives children the opportunity to ask questions and learn as well as allows less experienced bikers a chance to better their skills.
"The volunteers spend a good amount of the day not only giving safety tips and instructions, but they also fix up bikes. They make small repairs and pretty much do anything they can to help out," Mulligan said.
Following the safety instructions and clinic, the attendees enjoyed free food provided by Beef O Brady's and waited for their chance to win a free bicycle.
"Each year we give out two bikes, one for a boy and one for a girl, at the end of the rodeo. It has always been a huge success," Mulligan said.
Mia Davis and Toni Diaz were the winners of this year's bike giveaways and nearly 300 attendees were present at the Bike Rodeo.
The Bike Rodeo "graduated" 143 students who each completed the different safety courses.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012 - www.newssun.com/110712-sg-LP-bike-rodeo