Several groups, businesses, and volunteers were brought together to help better prepare 160 Cochrane young cyclists to safely ride the roads and trails in the Cochrane area.

The 2nd Annual Bike Safety Day on June 4 saw youth receive safety tips before having their bicycles checked over by technicians, and helmets checked and replaced if necessary. Afterward, they were able to test their skills on two courses laid out in the parking lot of Gamin, next to Bike Cochrane's Launch Pad.

It was jointly presented by the Cochrane Kiwanis and Bike Cochrane with the assistance of volunteer technicians from local bike shops, Cochrane RCMP, town bylaw officers, and Garmin.

Debbie White, who co-chaired the event for the Cochrane Kiwanis, says the originally 120 spots offered quickly filled, and they were fortunate to expand it to 160 when another bike technician stepped forward to help. Even then, they were left with a waiting list.

Technicians made adjustments onsite and determined if any additional work was required.

"Everybody wants to go through that because they know if your bike requires a major tune-up, you get a coupon to do that, and if you need a new helmet, you get a new helmet," White explains.

Andra Andrew, Bike Cochrane vice-president and events coordinator, says there are many bike safety days and rodeos held across Canada and the States and they wanted to adopt that same idea.

"It just shows us the demand is there, the interest is there, and the town is on board with a Bike Safety Day."

It was offered free of charge and is expected to return next year.