Git along, little Huffy

Police schedule bicycling rodeo.

By: Audrey Levine
   Hillsborough’s latest rodeo isn’t about the horses and cowboys — its featured attractions are wheels and police officers.
   Children will have the opportunity to learn about bike safety at the Hillsborough Police Department’s third annual Bike Rodeo at Hillsborough High School on Raider Boulevard on July 11.
   "We are trying to bridge the gap between police and the community," said Mark Besser, community policing and training supervisor.
   The rodeo will feature different activities for kids age 5 to 15, including a skills course, where officers will give a lecture and demonstrations to discuss starting, stopping and maneuvering the bicycles.
   "The kids especially like seeing cops on bikes," Officer Besser said. "That’s cool to them."
   In addition to the course, guests will be able to take part in Safety Town, a serpentine chalk trail on which children can ride their bicycles and receive additional advice and tips from officers. Officers will also be available to check bicycles for damages and needed repairs.
   According to Officer Besser, the free event is sponsored by many different companies that are donating food and other giveaway items for those in attendance. Among the sponsors are Dunkin’ Donuts, the Youth Services Commission, Just Subs, PNC Bank and Rita’s Water Ice, which will be raffling off a new bicycle.
   "Wheellife Cycle Center (of Belle Mead) will be doing repairs on bicycles for free," Officer Besser said. He said they will also be donating safety equipment and discussing the best way to use it.
   According to Officer Besser, the event drew about 140 people last year, but he is still expecting more this time around. He said it was fairly popular then and he knows many of the same people are returning in addition to bringing friends.
   "The most important part of this event is bike safety, especially with all the cars around," he said.
   The event will be broken into two different sessions, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The morning session will last from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The afternoon session will be from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
   Parking will be available at the lot near Amwell Road.
   Registration is required for the event. To register, visit the Hillsborough Police Web site at www.hillsboroughpolice.org or call the department at 908-369-4323.