By Nacogdoches Miller

Sun Intern

Children will have the chance to brush up on their bicycle safety this weekend when Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation hosts its annual bicycle rodeo for the ninth consecutive year.

Helping to teach safe bicycle etiquette and more, this year’s event will feature two courses and the Mike’s Bike and Hike.

According to parks and recreation’s Facebook post, 40 bicycles will be given away to kids ages 3 to 15 and those who bring their own bicycles will receive a free inspection to ensure the bikes are safe to ride. 

Jeff Lewis, director of parks and recreation, said the bikes are given away to encourage active play outside and are provided through a grant from Elks Lodge No. 2816 along with money raised during the WinSprint Triathlon in October 2018.

Lewis said the Bicycle Rodeo is one of parks and rec’s favorite events each year.

“It gives us an opportunity to get some bicycles in kids’ hands that wouldn’t have been able to get them,” Lewis said.

Everyone interested is encouraged to attend and bring a bicycle and a helmet for the obstacle course. Those who don’t have a bicycle or helmet will be able to borrow one from parks and rec, which plans to provide around 20 for people to rotate.

Bicycles will be raffled away. Children interested in a particular bike will place their ticket in a container on the bicycle they would like to win.

Events start at 9 a.m. and run to noon. All children pre-registered by Thursday will receive a free T-shirt and other treats. 

To register, call 744-9554 or visit in person at 15 Wheeler Ave.