Bike Safety Rodeo in Perris provides safety education plus free backpacks, helmets and safety gear

August 2, 2026 - 19:42

The Val Verde Unified School District Police Department held a bike safety event in Perris this week, combining hands-on riding drills with giveaways of essential gear. The rodeo-style program gave children a chance to practice turning, stopping, and obstacle avoidance in a controlled parking lot course, while parents received tips on proper helmet fitting and bike maintenance.

Beyond the skills course, the department distributed free backpacks, helmets, and reflective safety accessories to families who attended. Organizers said the goal was to remove common barriers to safe riding, especially for younger children who may not have access to proper equipment at home. Officers also checked each bike for working brakes, tires, and reflectors before sending riders through the course.

The event drew a steady crowd of local families, with many children lining up early to claim a helmet in their size. School district staff were on hand to answer questions about pedestrian safety and neighborhood routes to nearby campuses. The department plans to host similar clinics later this year, with a focus on older students who may ride to school independently. For now, the free gear and practical lessons gave Perris families a solid start to a safer riding season.