Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and “Cowboy Ted” host Human-Powered Rodeo events for preschoolers in Bancroft
Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary School had a special visit from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey on April 6 and 7. Hallisey hosted a pair of Reading and Human-Powered Ro- deo sessions for three and four-year- old students in Bancroft, as part of the Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools program.
Jessica McCulloch coordinated the programs with Hallisey last month before going on maternity leave and giving birth to another child on April 2nd. Hallisey read one of his books to the kids and also provided a pair of books for each student to take home. The reading session was followed by a Human-Powered Rodeo session that featured Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Flag Race and Keyhole events that are traditionally performed on horseback at rodeo and gymkhana events in rural communities.
The Human-Powered Rodeo events were created by Hallisey when he was hired as Executive Director for Idaho Walk Bike Alliance last March. Hallisey said he wanted to create events that are familiar to rural kids and are events that are actually performed at rodeo events unlike some of the current Bike Rodeo events hosted by other organizations.
“Our New Signature Human-Powered Rodeo events are designed specifically for kids and families in rural communities, Hallisey said. “We want to teach kids how to walk, bike and roll safely to school and to other locations across Idaho. And we want the events to be fun for kids and espe- cially for rural kids and communities which are our primary audience and focus in Idaho.”
Kids and families are invited to walk, bike, or roll through the pole bending course, barrel racing pattern and key-hole activity – along with flag race and a chance to rope the bull (a metal and fiberglass roping buddy – not a real bull), according to Hallisey. Kids can choose to ride a stick horse or scooter or both during the activities and they are encouraged to enjoy the events at home too and also use a bike.
“My daughter and nephew had so much fun!” said Malyssa Hainline. “Thank you for doing this for our kids.”
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance has also created one of the most comprehensive online Safety Resources libraries in Idaho and across the Mountain West on their website at www.idahowalkbike.org/resources and is available to educators, parents and kids.
The IWBA Safety Resources page features lesson plans, animated features and videos that showcase safety and wellness activities for rural kids and families.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Cowboy Ted will be back in Bancroft to host additional Safe Routes to Schools and wellness programs during the Summer Reading program at the North Gem library. Cowboy Ted will read one of his 12 books for kids during weekly sessions each Tuesday at 10 am in June and July and the reading session will be followed by more activities to show kids how to walk, bike and safely across Idaho.
Hallisey said, “I had so much fun in Bancroft and I’m really looking forward to hosting weekly reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions at 10 am on Tuesdays in June and July.” “We will definitely be there!” commented Hainline. “All of my kids are super excited for it.”
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