Joni Mitchell once sang of seasons going round and round, painted ponies going up and down. Perhaps there should also have been mention snuck in about another circular theme that connotes the too-quick passage of time: The transition from three to four to two wheels.

I’m talking about bicycles, of course.

What starts out as tricycle reluctance soon becomes mastered by tots before parents can blink, and the said trikes are swapped with bikes with training wheels.

The biggest milestone in bike proficiency comes when the training wheels come off, and kiddos take off– on two wheels. Just when one thinks they’d only just become proficient in walking on two feet.

Our eldest just transitioned from his trike to a ‘big boy’ bike with training wheels– He’s a bit faster, more independent, and it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed that he’s higher off the ground.

Transitions are many in this circle game– the cycling one, that is– but one constant should always remain: Wearing a bike helmet.

My husband recently quipped that spring time means tune-up time; an occasion to give bike chains the WD-40 treatment, add a breath of fresh air to tires, and most importantly ensure that helmets are at the ready.

Unlike the neon colored beads that adorned many a girls’ bike spokes in the ‘90s, bicycle safety’s not going out of style any time soon.

Teaching kiddos to ride bikes is all about learning to let go, but when it comes to rules of safety, parents need to hold on tightly.

It’s using your head, in the literal sense. Local kiddos are welcome to bring their bikes or scooters and helmets to

Community Bike Rodeo, which will be held Saturday, May 21 between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Saco Public Works on North Street.

According to Saco Spirit’s Facebook page, admission is free, and the event will include bike safety checks, helmet fittings, a safety course, local health and wellness organizations, “Touch a Truck” bike and helmet raffles, and more.

The public is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Saco Food Pantry. Raffle tickets sold will benefit Saco schools.

So get active, be safe. Take advantage of the warm months ahead by getting your game plan of outdoor activities in gear and hitting the road.

Grab your family and enjoy summer adventures on wheels.

It’s like riding a bike.

— Michelle Cote is the art director of the Journal Tribune. She enjoys cooking, baking, and living room dance-offs with her husband, two boys and a dog. She can be contacted at mcote@journaltribune.com.

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