Talbot Thrive Awarded $16,000 Grant from Maryland Highway Safety Office for Rolling Rodeo Program

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a $16,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to support our Bike Rodeo (now called Rolling Rodeo) program in Talbot County! This generous grant will enable us to expand our efforts to promote bicycle safety, education, and helmet use among the community’s youth through this exciting program.

A Rolling Rodeo, the flagship educational program of our community outreach initiatives, is designed to teach children essential bike riding skills, safety practices, and the importance of wearing a helmet every time they ride. Through a series of fun and interactive activities, participants will learn how to navigate roadways, understand traffic signals, and practice safe biking techniques in a controlled environment.

The program will feature:

Skill-Building Courses: Children will participate in courses designed to improve their biking skills, including obstacle courses and real-world scenario simulations.
Helmet Fittings and Giveaways: Proper helmet use is crucial for bike safety. The program will include helmet fittings and free helmet and bike light distributions to ensure every child is protected.
Bike Repair and Setup Stations: Experts will be available to cover essential topics such as tire pressure, chain maintenance and the proper use of balance bikes for the youngest riders
Community Engagement: The Bike Rodeo will involve local law enforcement, community leaders, and volunteers to foster a supportive and safety-conscious community environment.

The Rolling Rodeo program is scheduled to kick off on October 19th with the first event at Easton Elementary School and several more Rodeos planned at other locations in Talbot County in the Spring of 2025. Local partners include Talbot County Public Schools, Critchlow Adkins Child Development Centers, Building African American Minds the YMCA and more!

We invite all Talbot County families to join the festivities and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to enhance their children’s biking skills and safety awareness.

For more information about the Bike Rodeo program or to find out how you can get involved, contact Heather Grant at 410-591-6092. Corporate sponsorship opportunities and community partners are still needed to make this program a success.