This past Saturday, the Pomona Valley Bicycle Coalition had the opportunity to participate in the Pomona Christmas Parade and the Holiday at the Plaza event. This was our first year in the parade and apparently the largest with over 100 participants. Our ‘float’ was the design and work of Krik, a local metal sculpture artist who uses repurposed materials and has some sort of movement to his work. In this case, the sculpture we used had three teeter totter-like arms which students from the Pomona Arts High School rode on and gave our float some special effects. Jeff, with his awesome green cargo bike, was the main engine to our float and proudly displayed our banner on his bike. Although we did not win ‘Best Teeter Totter Sculpture’ Award, we had a great time and were happy to show Pomona residents there is a cycling organization out there fighting for their rights to cycle.

The highlight of the event, however, came afterwards as we raffled off bike helmets to kids. We tabled at the ‘Holiday at the Plaza’ in Pomona City Hall and, through a generous donation at no charge from Coates Cyclery, we were able to give 10 helmets to much needed kids. One kid in particular was learning how to ride and was afraid of falling and hurting himself; the helmet will now give him the extra security and confidence he needs to go out and ride. Larry Sheets from Claremont Senior Cyclists volunteered with helmet fitting so each helmet was properly fitted to it’s new owner. Event’s like these are what we love to be part of and if we can help give an individual the confidence they need to get on a bike, then we think we are doing a good job.