The annual Bike Safety Rodeo for children 5-14 years old will be held Thursday, June 23, at the Brit Spaugh Park south baseball field near 22nd and Morton streets. Free bikes and helmets will be available for children who don’t have them, but the event is important for all children who ride bicycles, according to Janel Rose at the Barton County Health Department.

All children who wish to participate must be registered at the Barton County Sheriff’s Office by their parents no later than June 22.

The event will begin with check-in at 8:45 a.m. on June 23 and conclude with snacks and parents picking up their children at 10:30 a.m. Parents should bring their children and their bikes and helmets, if they have them. Parents are invited to stay with their children for the bike rodeo.

"With more children and families riding bikes on roadways, it is extremely important that children be taught the rules of the road and how to ride safely," according to information from Janel Rose at the health department.

Following check-in, participants will have safety presentations on how to prevent brain injuries, safe bike riding and rules of the road. They will also complete a bike safety training obstacle course on the field.

Free reconditioned bikes from Ellsworth Correctional Facility and new helmets from the health department will be given only to children who need them. Parents who want to request a bike and/or helmet for their child who does not have one should do so at registration at the Sheriff’s Office. A limited number of bikes and helmets of various sizes will be available for youths. Bike helmets will be fitted by health department staff.

This event is sponsored by the Health Department, Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Landfill and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

For more information contact Barton County Health Department at 793-1902, Barton County Sheriff’s Office, 793-1876, or the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 792-3346.