KALAMAZOO, MI – Kzoo Parks and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) will be hosting a free bike clinic from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 at Mayors Riverfront Park, 251 Mills Street.

This “Bike Rodeo” will teach kids to ride bikes and ensure their bikes and gear are ready for summer, the City of Kalamazoo said in a news release.

Kids can bring their helmets and bikes to the event and public safety officers will help fit and tune their bikes for them. Kids can take part in a bike safety course, which will have various stations set up, each focusing on a different bike skill for kids to learn and practice.

Open Roads will also provide a bike repair station for bikes in need of minor repairs or tune-ups and Fresh Food is Fun will have a bike mixer setup that will allow kids to use a bike to make their own slushies. with cider and berries. At the end of the event, kids can ride their bikes around the edges of the baseball diamond (weather permitting).

Each child will receive a goody bag containing educational information, a water bottle, bike lights and reflective spoke poles. 100 bicycle helmets will be provided free of charge to children who do not have one, from Safe Kids Kalamazoo County, run by Bronson Children’s Hospital. There will also be draws for other prizes, including four bikes donated by Open Roads.

The event will also include fire truck and police car demonstrations by public safety personnel and the Kalamazoo Growlers’ mascot Porter will be in attendance, organizers said.

“Bicycling is a great way to spend time outdoors,” said Shannon Keene, Special Events Coordinator for Kzoo Parks. “We want to make sure kids in our community can ride their bikes safely this summer. Whether your child can use a helmet, bike light, or bike tune-up, or if you’re just excited to be part of a fun bike event, join us on May 11! »

Attendees should remain cautious and follow CDC and local health authority guidelines to protect themselves and the community from COVID-19, organizers said.

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