MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Provost Marshal's Office wrangled up nearly 30 Station bicycle riders in their parking lot June 13 to participate in a bicycle rodeo.
The young riders saddled up for the event, which teaches safety and proper bicycle care.
The military police guided the children through various obstacles to test their knowledge of road safety and riding ability.
"It helps the kids learn basic bicycle safety," said Lance Cpl. Christopher Criswell, military policeman, "and gives them confidence about riding their bikes."
"The roadways are different here in Japan," added Lance Cpl. Richard McNamara, military policeman. "Traffic comes different ways so children have to be especially aware of their equipment, hand signals, and other motorists on the roadways."
The bicycle rodeos, which are held at least once a year in Iwakuni, usually draw a fair amount of children and parents, according to Staff Sgt. Bernard Higdon, PMO physical security specialist.
"We definitely get a good turnout," said Higdon. "We put the names of everyone who registers in a box, draw names and give out some gifts. It's a good incentive to get the kids out here and teach them about safety."
"This is the second bike rodeo I've been in," said Kenneth Rowland, bicycle rodeo participant.
"Me too," chipped in Kenneth's younger brother Geoffrey Rowland. "I was in the same one as my brother. We had a lot of fun."
Despite the theme of fun throughout the day, teaching bicycle safety was the primary mission at the event, and PMO checked the riders' bicycles for any discrepancies as they maneuvered through the course.
"We check to see if tires need to be replaced, if chains are too loose, tight or old, and if the brakes work properly," said Higdon. "We annotate those things on their score sheets so their parents can fix them when they get home."
Remembering bicycle safety is especially important this time of year, noted Higdon.
"It's summer vacation now and kids are going to be on their bicycles a lot more than they usually are," said Higdon. "We have had a couple of requests for bicycle safety lessons from the schools and the Safety Station here."
The Provost Marshal's Office plans to hold more bicycle rodeos on different occasions to help get the word out about roadway safety.
"We plan on having more rodeos in the near future," said Higdon. "Making sure the Station youth are safe on their bikes is our number one priority."
For more information on upcoming bicycle rodeos, call Higdon at 253-3287.