Talbot Thrive Receives Grant to Expand Bike Education Program for Talbot County Youth

More than 500 Talbot County children will have the opportunity to learn bike and road safety thanks to a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office to Talbot Thrive, a local advocacy organization that promotes healthy and safe outdoor mobility. The grant will fund five of Talbot Thrive’s highly popular Rolling Rodeos in which kids ride bikes on a simulated road course, under the direction of experienced volunteers, to learn essential bike safety skills such as handling, signaling, and understanding the rules of the road.

“We’re so pleased to be able to offer five more of our Rolling Rodeos over the coming year,” said Talbot Thrive’s Executive Director Heather Grant. “The rodeos are a great way for kids to learn important road safety rules while having a lot of fun. We will be working with the Talbot County Public Schools and BAAM to identify the sites for this year’s rodeos.” Grant added that those kids who want to participate but don’t own bikes will be able to use bikes provided by Talbot Thrive and Pedal Power Kids.

In addition to the costs of the materials to set up the courses, the MHSO grant will support the purchase of water bottles for every participating student, free helmets as needed and the continued partnership with Pedal Power Kids, an Anne Arundel company with expertise in hosting bike rodeos and learn-to-ride programs. The first Rolling Rodeo will happen on October 18, 2025 at Easton Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Talbot County Resource Fair.

More funding is needed to support free helmets for all participants. Corporations, foundations and volunteers are welcomed to get involved to help make this important program happen. Email heather@talbotthrive.org or visit TalbotThrive.org/RollingRodeos.

About Talbot Thrive

Talbot Thrive is a non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy and safe outdoor mobility for everyone living, working and visiting Talbot County. They encourage improvements in infrastructure, operations, programs, and policies that benefit people walking, biking, strolling and rolling to make Talbot County a more livable and equitable place for all.

AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.

Francoise Sullivan is the new Associate Editor of The Chestertown Spy and a community advocate based in Worton, Maryland. She previously served a term on the Kent County Board of Education, where she focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student-centered policy. Sullivan also serves as Chair of the Kent County Chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center. Her work centers on local government, education, and civic engagement, providing clear, accessible coverage of issues affecting Kent County.