The Hays Police Department and Hays Public Library will be hosting a Bike Rodeo Saturday, August 3 at the Hays Public Library.

Lt. Ron Rounkles says rodeo participants will be split into two groups:

While participants wait in line for the course, officers will do inspections of bicycles: Officers will check handlebars, seat height, brakes, reflectors etc. Also, officers will allow for bikes to be licensed. They will record the make, model, serial number and other descriptors associated with the bikes.

There is no age restriction on the event. Rounkles said “if you show up, we will absolutely allow you to do this. Some kids show up with training wheels. If they want to do it, we’re game. We’ll let them do it.”

When asked about any rodeo clowns for the rodeo, Rounkles added “The library is going to have something large and in costume.  I have it on paper, I could tell you what it is, but I’m not.”

Children who don’t have a bicycle don’t need to be left out of the event.  The Hays Police Department has started a refurbished bicycle program, and parents are asked to call the department before Saturday to talk to officers about the availability of bikes.

The event runs from 9:30 – 11am.  Participants are asked to show up at the library starting at 9am to register for prize drawings.  Among other prizes, the library is giving away two bicycles.  It’s important to stay for the entire event and to be present during the prize drawing.

Participants can pre-register at www.hayspublib.org on the Calendar page or by calling 785-625-9014. The Hays Police Department can be reached at 785-625-1030.