Kalamazoo Times

A free bike clinic will be conducted in conjunction with the Kalamazoo Parks Department and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, May 11.

The event, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., is going under the moniker “Bike Rodeo,” where children will learn bicycle safety in preparation for summer at Mayors’ Riverfront Park, located at 251 Mills St., a news release from the City of Kalamazoo said.

“Biking is a great way to enjoy time outside,” Shannon Keene, special events coordinator for Kzoo Parks, said in the release. “We want to make sure the children in our community can enjoy biking safely this summer. Whether your child could use a helmet, bike light, or bike tune up, or if you are just excited to be a part of a fun biking event, join us on May 11!”

Public safety officers will be on hand to ensure that children’s safety equipment is fitted for their needs as well as to oversee a bike safety course, the release said. The course will have multiple bike stations with each one addressing how children can enhance their biking skills.   

In addition, Open Roads will be at the event in order to lend their expertise for bikes that are in need of repair, and kids will be able to drink slushies with cider and berries from a bike blender setup by Fresh Food is Fun.

Weather permitting, the children will have the opportunity to bike around the park’s baseball field at the conclusion of the event.

“Each child will receive a goodie bag with educational information, a water bottle, bike light, and reflective spoke sticks,” the release said. “100 bike helmets will be provided at no cost to kids who don’t have their own by Safe Kids Kalamazoo County, led by Bronson Children’s Hospital. There will also be drawings for other prizes, including four bikes donated from Open Roads.”

First responders will also provide safety instructions, and the Kalamazoo Growlers’ mascot Porter will be in attendance as well, the release said.