St. Cloud Fire Rescue is gearing up to host its first Bike Rodeo Wednesday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Fire Station 31, 900 Minnesota Ave.

The purpose of the rodeo is to help children learn safety techniques while riding their bicycles. Children will be able to ride through a bicycle course to learn to recognize the meaning of street signs and will learn the proper techniques in yielding to cars, bicycle stability, proper helmet sizing and other bicycle safety tips.

“Children in grades kindergarten through fifth can attend the Bike Rodeo and they will receive a certificate of completion in bike safety,” Fire Rescue’s Emergency Medical Services Lt. Lisa Thompson said. “All children must bring their bike and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Barbara Weyel, of Osceola County Fire Rescue, will assist us with the Bike Rodeo and emphasize the importance of bicycle safety among the children of our city.”

The first 40 children arriving at the Bike Rodeo, which is being held in the middle of National EMS Week, will receive a water bottle that can be used when out on a bike ride and helmets will be provided while quantities last. There will be at least six firefighters helping during the event, as well as administrative personnel.

In addition, the St. Cloud Police Department will be registering city residents’ bicycles during the Bike Rodeo. All St. Cloud residents, including children, are encouraged to register their bicycles. In the event that a bicycle is lost or stolen, the police department would be able to track it and assist in finding the missing bicycle. Children’s DNA kits – for photo identifications and fingerprints – also will be made available to parents to help keep their children safe.

For more information on the Bike Rodeo, call 407-957-8486.