Florida Bicycle Month

For bicycling opportunities all year round, visit 1800234RIDE.com

Free Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Training Offered

The Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization in conjunction with Broward County Parks and Recreation Division is conducting a FREE Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education and Bicycle Rodeo training workshop.

When?           February 20, 2009

                        8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.  Registration

                        9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Training class

Where?         West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center

                        751 Sheridan St., Hollywood (located east of U.S. 1)

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in learning to teach children about bicycle and pedestrian safety including:

• Law enforcement community service personnel and school resource officers
• Elementary health and physical education school teachers
• Recreation and youth leaders, after school program leaders
• Safe Kids Coalition and Safety Council representatives
• Interested parents and volunteers

What will participants learn?

This one day (8 hour) workshop teaches participants how to fit bicycle helmets correctly, bicycle/pedestrian laws and safety tips, defensive walking and bicycling skills, and how to conduct a meaningful bicycle rodeo.  Participants will ride bicycles to practice the very skills they will teach children during rodeos and in other educational settings.  Through these trainings, we hope to raise awareness of the need for bicycle and pedestrian safety education and provide training and materials to those working to educate our youth.

What do I need to bring?

Participants will need to bring their own bicycle and helmet.  Please dress comfortably.  Lunch will be provided.

If interested, what should I do?

If you are interested in participating in this training please contact Deborah Homan at (954) 357-6620 by February 18, 2009.

The Bicycle Month activities calendar will be updated as events are announced.

Sunday, March 1:
Hospice 100 Mountain Bike Race and Charity Race at Markham Park.   Event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shelter #3.  This event is designed for individuals who are interested in learning how to mountain bike and race.  For more information, contact Dave at 954-761-8500.

Thursdays - March 5, 12, 19, 26

Safety Town at C.B. Smith Park
This is a cooperative program with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Here children learn such bicycle safety basics as which side of the road to ride on, how to observe a stop sign, and how to proceed at railroad crossings. Reservations are required. To schedule a Safety Town visit for a children’s group, call 954-276-5991 or e-mail. 

Thursdays - March 5, 12, 19, 26

Safety Town at T.Y. Park
This is a cooperative program with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital . Here children learn such bicycle safety basics as which side of the road to ride on, how to observe a stop sign, and how to proceed at railroad crossings. Reservations are required. To schedule a Safety Town visit for a children’s group, call 954-276-5991 or e-mail.

Thursday, March 5:
Bicycle Safety Video at Franklin Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

Friday, March 6:
Bike Competition and Relay at Sunview Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

Bike Safety Video at Roosevelt Gardens Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

City of Hollywood Bicycle Rodeo at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
This event is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the center located at 2400 Charleston Street. For more information, contact Richard Walker at 954-921-3412.

Saturday, March 7:
Bicycle Rodeo at City of Hollywood Washington Park
This program is from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call Debra Johnson at 954-967-4240.

Bicycle Rider Extravaganza at City of Tamarac Tephford Park
This program starts at 10 a.m. Tephford Park is located at 10003 Southgate Boulevard.  For more information, contact Scott Holloway at 954-597-3620.

The Fastest Mile Time Trial at the Brian Piccolo Park Velodrome
This event is for cyclists with a 2009 USA Cycling License but spectators are welcome to watch!  Registration is day of the event only starting at 5 p.m. Racing begins at 7:30 p.m. Races will be one mile or five laps and timed for categories: 45+; 35+; 4-5 Level; 3 Level, and Pro 1 - 2 Level.  Entry fee is $10 for each category except Pro 1- 2 which is $15.  Helmets are mandatory.  Riders/trainers recommended for warm-ups.  Cash prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place in each category.  For more information, contact Carlos Laborde at 954-437-2626 after 3 p.m. 

Future Champion Fun Trial at Brian Piccolo Park Velodrome
This special event is designed for children up to age nine.  Registration is from 5 to 7 p.m. There is no fee to participate in this event - helmets are mandatory. All participants will receive a special participation award and cycling theme gift.  For more information, contact Carlos Laborde at 954-437-2626 or e-mail Linda.

Sunday, March 8:
Bicycle Scavenger Hunt at T.Y. Park.   Starts at 11 a.m. in the Castaway Island parking lot.  No fee - only park's regular weekend gate admission.  Bring your own bicycle and helmet. Participants will search for a list of items hidden in the park.  Prizes will be awarded.  For more information, call 954-985-1980.

Wednesday, March 11:
Night Mountain Bike Trail Ride at Quiet Waters Park
This event scheduled form 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. is restricted to Broward County Parks Volunteers who have completed twelve hours of volunteer time in the past four months at either the Quiet Waters or Markham Park bike trails.  For more information contact Kristen.

Thursday, March 12
Bicycle Safety & Awareness Day at McTyre Park
This event is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Shon Major by e-mail or at 954-985-1990.

Friday, March 13:
Bike Safety, Balance, Techniques & Skills at Lafayette Hart Park
This event is open only to registered after school program participants.  There will be bike lectures and bikes given away as prizes. 

Bike Display and Safety at Roosevelt Gardens Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

Saturday, March 14: 

Surfside Ride at Hollywood North Beach Park
Registration and bicycle safety check starts at 8 a.m.. The ride starts at 9 a.m. Click here for more details.

St. Patrick's Day Parade at  Sunview Park
From 9 to 11 a.m., participants will be part of the local parade.  This is open to the public.  For more information, call 954-791-1040.

Bicycle Rodeo at Sunrise Athletic Complex
The City of Sunrise Department of Leisure Services invites everyone celebrate Florida Bicycle Month at the bicycle rodeo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This free event is open to ages two and up.  Participants will be divided in three groups: tricycles, training wheels, and two-wheelers.  There will be a bicycle obstacle course and a prize for the most creatively decorated bicycle. Registration deadline is March 11.  Call 954-747-4600 for more information.

Margate Police Dept. Bicycle Rodeo at City of Margate Firefighters Park
This event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The park address is 2500 Rock Island Rd.  For more information, contact Officer Lombardo at 754-322-6754.

Family Bike Ride and Campfire at  C.B. Smith Park
This free family event is designed for all ages and starts at 6 p.m.. A guide will lead cyclists throughout the park. After the ride, families will be invited to join in the fun around the campfire.  Bring your own bikes, helmets (required for ages 16 & under), hot dogs & buns, and what you will need to make your own smores. Drinks will be available for purchase. There is no fee for this event although the park's gate admission will be in affect. For more information, contact Mary Ann at 954-437-2650,

Wednesday, March 18:
Saints Home School Bike Education at Markham Park
This will be an opportunity for elementary-age children to learn about bike safety as well as the proper bike and head protection for safe riding.  The event is from 10 a.m. to Noon at Shelter #5.  For more information, contact Monique at 954-389-2000.

Friday, March 20:
Bike Safety Day at Sunview Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

Saturday, March 21: 
Reverse Triathlon at Tradewinds Park
The race will begin at 7 a.m. and consists of a 2-mile run, 10-mile bike (no fat tire/mountain bikes), and 300-yard guarded lake swim.  This competition is limited to 250 athletes.  Register on Active.com.  Fee is $35 if registered before March 13; $60 after March 13; and Thursday, March 19 is the deadline for registration (no race day registration).  Each athlete will receive a dry-fit type shirt.  Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall only.  For more information, contact 954-968-3880.

The Ultimate Challenge at  Vista View Park
This event will be a free challenge for cyclists ages 18 and older. The Ultimate Challenge participants will be divided into age groups and will race around a one-mile road course with a one-third mile climb.  Each age group will have a 15-minute timed race.  Awards will be given to the top five finishers of each age group.  Time of the event is 8 a.m. to Noon.  Register for the event March 1 thru March 12 at the Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area (open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)  For more information, contact Stefanie at 954-327-8797, ext. 18374.

Bicycle Rodeo at City of Hollywood Driftwood Community Center
This event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to Noon.  The center is located at 3000 N. 69th Ave. For more information, call Jesica San Marco at 954-937-4241.

Tandem Cycling Open House at  Tradewinds Park
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Elfin Shelter on the south side of Tradewinds. Tandem cycling is designed by our Special Populations Section  for persons with visual impairments.  For more information contact Dori  at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844.  Click here for a printable flyer (PDF -36KB).

Nature Bike Hike at West Lake Park
11 a.m./$3 per person - a mountain-type bike is recommended. Helmets required - no training wheels. Approximately a one-hour ride with nature discussion. Pre-registration and information contact is Joanne at 954-926-2410.  The group will meet at the Anne Kolb Nature Center Exhibit Hall.

Sunday, March 22:
Mountain Bike 101 at Markham Park
This event is designed for anyone interested in learning how to mountain bike. Time is 8 to 10 a.m. at Shelter #3.  There is no fee to participate and preregistration is not required.  For more information, contact Dave at 954-761-8500.

Thursday, March 26:
Bicycle Obstacle Course at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park
This event is for children already registered in the after school program at the park.

Friday, March 27:
BSO Talks About Bicycle Safety at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park
A speaker from the Broward Sheriff's Office will be on hand for a a bike safety program with the children registered in the after school program at the park.

Saturday, March 28:
Bike Competition Relay at Sunview Park
The public is invited to this bicycle competition (bring your own bikes and helmets required). Time of the event is 9 to 11 a.m.  For more information, contact Lisa at 954-791-1040.

Parkland Bikeology Month at Pine Trails Park
This event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to Noon.  For more information, contact Colleen at 954-757-4120 or check the City of Parkland website.

Bike Rodeo & Obstacle Course at City of Dania Beach PJ Meli Park
This event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to Noon at Patrick J. Meli Park, 2901 SW 52 St.  For more information, contact Mark Jensen at 954-985-4400.

Sunday, March 29:
Safety Town at Tree Tops Park
Safety Town is a cooperative program with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. At this special location within the park, children (ages 3 years to First Grade) learn bicycle safety basics such as which side of the road to ride on, how to observe a stop sign, and how to proceed at railroad crossings. This event is open to everyone but limited to 25 participants so parents should register by March 26. Children must bring their own bicycle or tricycle and must wear a helmet. Contact Diane at 954-370-3750.

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