Rankin Inlet (Aug 16/06) - Close to 70 youth are a little more safety conscious after participating in a bike rodeo in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The event was a joint effort between the Rankin detachment of the RCMP and the Nunavut Department of Public Health.

Suzanne Tatty, 10, navigates a tight turn as RCMP Const. Elliot Chubak follows her progress during a bike rodeo in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Rodeo participants were divided into age groups of four-to-six years, seven to nine, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15.

Const. Elliot Chubak said he enjoys spending time with the kids at events such as the rodeo.

He says the Rankin business community was quite generous in donating prizes for the event, including a 20-inch BMX bike for the grand prize.

"We had great prizes for first, second and third and everybody got a little something for participating," said Chubak.

"The idea behind the event was to make kids more aware of bicycle safety."

Each participant had his or her bicycle checked before the rodeo, with Chubak and Const. Temmy Um educating the kids on how their bikes should fit when they ride.

A bicycle too large for the child can often lead to accidents.

The officers also talked to the kids about the importance of having properly functioning brakes on their bicycles and always wearing helmets when they ride.

The kids amassed points for having properly-outfitted bikes and equipment, including reflectors, to make them more visible in poor light.

Numbered chairs were used on the course to show the kids how to make a proper shoulder check.

The officers also covered the use of hand signals for making left and right turns and coming to a stop.

"I've done quite a few bike rodeos in various communities and, compared to many, the kids in Rankin were energetic and willing to learn," said Chubak. "All kids like to win prizes, but most of the youth who came out last week really wanted us to look at their bikes and learn about bicycle safety.

"It was also great to see so many parents there.

"The kids enjoy the support and attention, and the parents may have learned a bit about bike safety, as well."