Glow Ride encourages safe and active summer

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

Local youth are ready to roll into the summer, now that they have had the opportunity to learn about bike safety, test their two-wheeled skills on an obstacle course, and get a tune-up on their bike.

  All of this was offered at Sadler's Nature's Park on Friday evening, as the Town of Essex teamed up with Bike Windsor Essex and Cogeco to host the second annual Glow Ride

  During the event, participating youths were able to stop at several stations scattered along the winding path at Sadler's Park. At some of the stations, they were able to jazz up their bike with stickers or spoke beads, or learn an important safety tip from professionals.

  Organizations manning a station during the event included the Essex OPP, Essex Fire & Rescue, CWATS, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, and the Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

  Katie Bortolotto, Assistant Manager of Programs for the Town of Essex, was excited to see all of the kids onsite with their families, taking the opportunity to learn from - and enjoy participating in - the two-hour event.

  In addition to promoting bike safety and encouraging physical activity this summer, Town staff took the opportunity to connect with area families and promote the many different programs available through the Recreation Department.

  Bortolotto noted it was great to gather many community partners together to collaborate on hosting the event that promoted safety, physical activity, and utilizing local parks and trails.