06-04-2025
PCPD hosts 5th annual bicycle rodeo
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Young riders in Panama City tested their two-wheel skills on Saturday while learning road safety tips along the way.
The Panama City Police Department hosted its 5th annual bicycle rodeo at Oakland Terrace joined local law enforcement for a day full of education and fun.
'I think the most important thing is that we're able to educate the public. We're able to teach them proper bicycle mechanics as far as handling the bike safety on the roadway, you know, knowing that you should not riot against traffic but ride with traffic, you should wear a helmet in the state of Florida under the age of 16. So, it means a lot to me. It tremendously, to me, means that we're able to reach out into our community and to serve them in different capacities as law enforcement officers', PCPD Community Policing Captain Billy Carstarphen said.
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PCPD gave out about 10 free bikes through a raffle drawing. They also had games, live music, snow cones, pizza, and bike obstacle courses.
Leila came to the bike rodeo to ride her bike with friends. But since her almost two-year-old little brother received a new bike, she's looking forward to riding with him at home soon.
'He doesn't really know how to ride a bike, but I'm pretty sure he's going to start running over all of our toes. It was a good day, and I had fun. I'm pretty sure my brother, when he grows up, will be stoked to hear the story, too,' resident Leila said.
Officials say the event is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
'The kids, I was watching some of them as they received the bikes, they just lit up, you know, to see the big smile on their faces. And they were just shocked that, 'Hey, I didn't have to go and do anything. I didn't have to pay for this, you know, but these guys are actually just giving me a bike, and it's the bike that I like, 'Carstarphen said.
The bikes were donated by Target and Walmart, and the pilot club provided helmets. Newk's Eatery and the City of Panama City provided free food.
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