Kids rolled into Buckner Park with smiles, scraped knees, and wobbly wheels—but left with a helmet, a safer ride, and a few new friends. On Monday, Fort Wayne launched its first bicycle safety course of the summer, and the turnout proved one thing: bike season is here.

The course, led by Fort Wayne Public Works’ Greenways and Trails division, offered more than just tips. There were free helmets, borrowed bikes, and some heartfelt advice from local police. And yes, plenty of kids ringing bells and testing brakes like it was Christmas morning.

A Community Project That Came Together Fast

It all started with a single idea.

Mayor Sharon Tucker reached out to the city’s Greenways and Trails team not long ago, floating the thought of a summer-long bike safety effort for kids. From that moment, it didn’t take long to hit the ground pedaling.

“We put this together really quickly,” said program director Rick Zolman. “And the partners we reached out to just said yes. Parks department jumped in. INDOT helped with helmets. It’s cool how fast it came together.”

That sense of teamwork wasn’t lost on parents. One mom, standing in the grass holding her son’s elbow pads, looked around and said, “You can feel that everyone here actually cares. That matters.”

Helmets First, Always

The bright-colored helmets caught the most attention. There were rows of them—neatly stacked, shining in the sun, waiting for small heads.

Zolman was clear: “If there’s one thing we want kids to remember, it’s wear the helmet.”

He went on to explain the stakes. “A broken arm? That’ll heal. But hitting your head? That’s a different story. Helmets save lives.”

The helmets came courtesy of INDOT, part of a broader push to improve cyclist safety across Indiana. Volunteers helped fit each one snugly and properly. No slipping, no sideways straps.

One 8-year-old giggled as his chinstrap clicked into place: “It makes me look like a Power Ranger.”

No Bike? No Problem.

Not every kid has their own bike—and the organizers knew that from day one. That’s where Pedals for Hope stepped in.

The group brought a small fleet of bikes for kids who didn’t have their own. Big ones, small ones, even one with streamers. All cleaned up, ready to ride.

One little girl looked up at a volunteer and whispered, “Can I keep it?” The answer was no, but she still rode it like it was hers.

The idea wasn’t just to teach kids who already ride. It was to open the door for those who’ve never had the chance.

Safety Isn’t Just About the Rider

Of course, the event wasn’t just for kids. Organizers used the opportunity to nudge drivers, too.

With summer in full swing and school out, streets are filling up with young riders—some confident, others still learning how to turn without toppling.

Zolman offered a reminder: “Slow down. Especially near parks. Kids can dart out. And a parked car can hide a bike real quick.”

He added, “If you’re driving through a park like this, expect bikes. Don’t wait to see them—assume they’re there.”

What to Expect at the Next Events

This wasn’t a one-time thing. Three more bike safety sessions are planned for the summer:

• June 25th, 3:00–4:30 p.m. at McMillen Park

• July 21st, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Franke Park

• July 23rd, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Shoaff Park

Each one will include helmet giveaways, safety instruction, and volunteers from groups like Pedals for Hope. And of course, plenty of room to ride.

The goal? Keep making it easier—and safer—for kids to get outside.

Parents, Police, and the Power of Small Steps

The event also brought out local officers, who chatted with kids between rides. No lectures. Just honest conversations, firm high-fives, and a few dad jokes.

One officer showed a group how to use hand signals. Another adjusted a seat for a nervous first-timer. There was no grandstanding—just practical help.

A dad sitting on a nearby bench summed it up: “You see cops here, and you realize—they’re human, too. They want our kids safe just like we do.”

It was that mix—kids, parents, cops, volunteers—that gave Monday’s event a neighborhood feel.

Why Fort Wayne Is Betting on Bicycles

Fort Wayne isn’t just winging it. The city’s commitment to biking infrastructure is real—and growing.

In 2024 alone, Fort Wayne added 4.2 miles of new trails and 7.6 miles of bike lanes, pushing its total network past 130 miles. And with the Greenways and Trails division gaining funding, efforts like Monday’s event are expected to become regular fixtures.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Fort Wayne’s recent bike infrastructure expansion:

The message from the city seems clear: they want biking to be not just a fun option—but a real one.