2nd Annual Cubs Bike Rodeo

A reflector take away for all participants completing the educational bike tasks.

Today I attended the Second Annual Cubs Bike Rodeo held by LSU's University Lab School.  A good friend of mine, who's a dedicated supporter of cycling here in Baton Rouge, helped organize the event.  It's designed to educate children, as well as their families, about safe bike riding practices.  Children visited 10 different stations, run by volunteers, and completed different cycling related tasks.  They engaged in bike maintenance, helmet fitting, balancing skills, quick braking, correct hand signal use, reading road signs, responding to shout outs while in motion, keeping control while turning or with one hand.  Participants walked away with a great learning experience as well as a very cool bike reflector promoting the use of alternate forms of transportation to school.  Kudos to the organizers and the volunteers for teaching our kids and encouraging smart bike usage in our city!

 Mike Bitton helps adjust a helmet for just the right fit.
Last year Mike received the first Velo Lousiane 2013 Bicycle Ambassador Award
http://irenekatophotos.blogspot.com/2013/04/velo-louisiane-2013-bicycle-ambassador.html

 Volunteers worked 10 different stations designed to teach young cyclists safe bike riding skills.

Very attentive and caring while helping the kids.

 Myra Broussard (left), LSU's Lab School Principal, with a young cyclist and Jennie Kluse (right), Bike Rodeo organizer.

The awesome team of organizers and volunteers dedicated to teaching youth about safe cycling practices.

#BatonRouge, #bicycling, #LSU, #LabSchool, #safety, #MikeBitton, #transportation

Jude!

I captured this moment as a 'Royal Photographer' during the Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras Parade.  It was taken during the "King's Pee", when the parade stops rolling and the dignitaries take care of themselves properly.  During the 15 minute break, I had enough time to run into a friend's house on the same street for a quick drink and bathroom visit myself, and on the way back to the floats, I truly stumbled over this beautiful moment and young man in the middle of the road.  It was nothing even close to quiet as parade marchers socialized and danced in the street.  The scene was fantastic, and I took just two shots as he rested and his friends started cheering him on as I photographed from the ground.  I'm happy to have gotten his name and shared my contact info with him.  He emailed me as promised, and I'll be sending this image his way.  Enjoy, Jude!!  I really appreciate that we crossed paths.  :))


#MardiGras, #bike, #Southdowns, #parade

On the go in Chofu, Tokyo

On the go in Chofu, Tokyo

I've been busy and the go with family and friends in Tokyo, Japan for the past five days and haven't traveled by car yet.  Here's to cities and countries where you can get around by foot, bike, bus and trains.  Love it!