BICYCLE RODEO SATURDAY AT SAFETY VILLAGE; SAFE KIDS COALITION INVITES KIDS IN AREA

Saddle up those Schwinns and round up the Huffys because the Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition is hosting a bicycle rodeo Saturday at the bicycle Safety Village in Missouri Park.

Kathy Magas, coordinator for the local Safe Kids Coalition, said this is the first year that the bicycle rodeo is being held at Safety Village.

"The VFW has done rodeos in the past, but never at the Safety Village site," Magas said. "We thought that it would be very appropriate to have the program - which promotes - bicycle safety, at the same place it is taught during the summer months."

Sponsors of the event include KBSI-TV, the Cape Girardeau Police Department and Community Traffic Safety Program, Southeast Missouri Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, VFW Post 3838 and its Ladies' Auxiliary.

The VFW will hold a bicycle skills workshop during the rodeo. Also, KBSI will have its Kids Club at the park, hosting games and activities.

Cape Girardeau Police Officer Jeannie Dailey will be on hand to conduct bicycle safety checks for those who would like to have their personal bicycles inspected. The Safe Kids Coalition will be selling children's Bell Bicycle Safety helmets for $15.

The coalition purchased the helmets at a greatly reduced cost through the National Safe Kids Coalition to protect children during summertime bicycle safety workshops. Magas said the helmets are approved and safety tested, but are a little plainer than higher-priced retail styles.

"We encourage parents to bring their kids out, help them learn important bicycle safety lessons and visit with Jill and Kool K from the KBSI Kids Club," Magas said.