Young Riders Learn Safety Skills at Stillwater’s Bike Rodeo

On May 10, 2025, local families gathered at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Fieldhouse for a fun and educational day at the annual Bike Rodeo for Kids — a free event focused on essential riding skills and safety practices for young, beginner bicyclists.

SPD Rodeo Volunteers

Co-organized by Brad Junker of the Stillwater Police Department and Rick Heidick of Sustainable Stillwater MN, the event brought together a dedicated team of volunteers from both organizations, along with help from the broader community. Together, they created a welcoming environment where kids could build confidence and learn how to ride safely.

Participants practiced key biking maneuvers like making safe left-hand turns, quick stops, avoiding road hazards, and weaving through the serpentine course. Volunteers demonstrated each skill before inviting kids to try for themselves, making it a hands-on and engaging experience.

Thanks to Chilkoot Cyclery, each child’s bike received a free assessment and tune-up, and families in need were provided free bikes and helmets to ensure every child could participate safely.

Adding to the excitement were appearances from Chomp, the PowerUp superhero carrot mascot from Health Partners, and McGruff the Crime Dog, who posed for photos and kept the smiles going. Free hotdogs, pizza, and family-friendly activities rounded out the day, creating a festive atmosphere.

More than just fun, the event promoted sustainability and health by encouraging families to use bikes for transportation and recreation. Held indoors on a turf field, the location ensured soft landings for beginners and a guaranteed rain-free event.

A big thank you goes out to all the organizers, volunteers, and participants who made this day possible. Events like the Bike Rodeo not only teach kids how to ride safely—they also help build a healthier, more connected, and more sustainable Stillwater.