Ride Smart Event Promotes Bike Safety and Community Collaboration in Drumheller
On Saturday, June 20, the Drumheller Memorial Arena hosted the Ride Smart Event, a community-focused initiative organized by the FCSS Department in partnership with the Town of Drumheller. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the event brought together multiple agencies and community partners with a shared goal: promoting safe cycling practices for residents of all ages.
Representing Starland County, Bylaw Enforcement Officer Florian Leitner participated in the event, contributing to one of four interactive stations designed to educate and engage attendees.
The Ride Smart Event featured a well-structured format, with participants rotating through four key stations covering various aspects of bicycle safety. One station, led by Bikes and Bites, focused on proper safety gear, including helmet fitting, bike lights, and essential equipment checks to ensure riders are visible and well-protected.
Another station, facilitated by the RCMP and Community Peace Officers (CPO) from Drumheller, provided instruction on hand signals and the rules of the road. This portion emphasized the importance of understanding traffic laws and communicating effectively with drivers to enhance cyclist safety.
Leitner, alongside Town of Drumheller staff, helped lead the obstacle course station, where participants had the opportunity to practice safe riding techniques in a controlled environment. The course allowed riders to build confidence and improve their handling skills while reinforcing safe cycling habits.
The fourth station, organized by Town staff, featured an awareness quiz designed to test participants’ knowledge of bike safety and road rules in an engaging and interactive way.
The event was widely regarded as a success, offering a valuable opportunity for community engagement and public education. In addition to promoting cycling safety, the Ride Smart Event highlighted the importance of collaboration among different departments and agencies.
The initiative also provided an opportunity for networking within the enforcement and safety community, strengthening relationships between organizations that work together to serve the region.
Overall, the Ride Smart Event demonstrated how coordinated efforts and hands-on learning can play a key role in building safer, more informed communities.