Yesterday’s Bike Rodeo was one of those events you cross your fingers for… and it turns out better than you could’ve imagined.
We’d had 23 people register in advance, which honestly had me nervous. I was quietly preparing myself for a low-key event, thinking maybe we’d end up with more hot dogs than helmets. But wow — was I ever wrong!
Over 100 kids showed up!
That’s not a typo. The Ottawa Police Service brought enough bike helmets for 100 kids, and every single one of them was gone by the end of the event. So not only did kids come — they came ready to learn, ride, and protect their brains.
Constable John Drader, who led the amazing team of officers helping out, kicked things off with a great talk on bike safety. It was engaging, clear, and the kids were really tuned in. Hats off (or should I say helmets on) to John and his team for their energy and dedication.
And let’s not forget lunch — a classic BBQ with hot dogs that hit the spot for everyone there. (What’s a rodeo without hot dogs, after all?)
I also had a chance to share my story. I talked about what happened when I was part of the Kanata 5 — a group of cyclists hit by a minivan. While I’m visibly disabled now and use support to walk or a scooter for longer distances, the most significant injury I suffered wasn’t the one you see. It was the one you don’t — an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). ABIs are sometimes referred to as concussions, and they’re far more common than people realize. One in 24 people lives with an ABI, and most of the time, it’s invisible.
That’s why events like this matter so much. They’re not just about learning to signal or brake properly. They’re about protecting something irreplaceable: your brain. If we can help even one kid understand that wearing a helmet is something they should want to do — not just something they’re told to do — then we’ve done something huge.
To everyone who came, volunteered, cooked, donated, taught, or just cheered us on — thank you. Yesterday wasn’t just a win. It was a total blast.
This is outstanding work, from planning to execution. Congratulations, Robert! Well done!
Thank you! It felt very good, every second that I did pretty much everything for it!!
Congrats Rob!
Thank you – it was AWESOME!
Congratulations Robert on what sounds and looks like a great event! Glad weather cooperated. Great turnout and pleased to see OPS’ continued and on-going community support. You’ve got quite the team behind you. Well done.
Thank you! Wait until you see what’s next, called “I am BrainSTRONG”, because it’ll be AWESOME’
Robert Iam so very proud of your efforts. You always deliver a very important message. Lynn and I sent our .Congrats to super hero
Thank you! Both of you are a wee boy older than the “target market” who I was aiming for, which was why I didn’t send anything to you about it before, but I’d love to actually-see both of you at some point!
Hi Rob,
Sounds like an amazing day.
Lots of kids and a chance to eduxate.
Job well done.
Ady
It was, but more than great – it was AWESOME!!
Thank you for sharing your message Rob! That’s 100 lives that you potentially have influenced to make great choices when out on a bike. Great job! Keep it up!
Thank you! I changed the mission of BrainSTRONG after this, because while sharing the in/visibility of Acquired Brain Injuries needs to shared, that’s what’s needed after ABIs are suffered. I changed the mission to this, which is about PREVENTION:
The BrainSTRONG Network is dedicated to changing the way people—especially kids—think about wearing a helmet. Our goal isn’t just to remind them that they should wear one, but to inspire them to want to.
Whether they’re riding a bike, skateboarding, rollerblading, or scootering, we want young people to see
wearing a helmet as something they choose to do—not because they’re told to, but because they understand it protects something as important as their brain.
Through public awareness campaigns, community events, and youth-focused initiatives like “I am
BrainSTRONG”, we aim to create a shift in mindset: from obligation to ownership, from “I have to” to “I want
to.”