OIL CITY, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Franklin Alliance Church, and the City of Franklin will hold a free children’s bicycle rodeo on June 27, 2019, to educate children on bike safety.

The rodeo will take place in the parking lot of the Franklin Alliance Church, 1200 Otter Street in Franklin. The event is open to children ages 5 to 12. Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. and activities will follow from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All attendees should bring a bike and helmet, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can sign a permission slip for participation.

The rodeo will consist of safety activities, games, and bicycle/helmet inspections. A random drawing will be held to give away two free bicycles donated by Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.) and Franklin Alliance Church. The church will also offer a blessing of the bikes, and provide hot dogs and water.

As part of the event, representatives hope to increase the children’s interest in bicycling, but also educate them on how to ride safely. Participants are reminded that wearing a helmet is required, and a limited number of free helmets will be available from Safe Kids Clarion-Venango.

If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, it will be held inside the church’s social hall.

This event is made possible through the additional support of Cub Scout Pack 37, Rep. R. Lee James, and the Venango County Sherriff’s Office.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.