Mankato Free Press (May 2026), MANKATO — There hasn’t been a bike safety event in Mankato since 2019, but staff at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota — along with several community partners — seek to change that.

“Our community partners were encouraging us to put on a bike safety event for the community so children have proper safety skills and equipment,” said Jaci Sprague, the museum’s vice president of development. “We’re excited to host.”

The Bike Safety Clinic is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and will be held both indoors and outdoors at the museum.

Organizers said in a news release the event is designed as a fun, hands-on experience to help children develop the skills and confidence they need to ride safely. Museum members will be admitted for free, but non-members will be charged $13 per person ages 1 and up to attend.

A highlight is expected to be distribution of free bike helmets, which is backed by a $5,000 donation from the Jeff and Roxi Lang Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation. Sprague said they will distribute and professionally fit nearly 400 helmets. It’ll be first come, first serve for helmet distribution.

Throughout the clinic, children will learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet, perform basic bike safety checks, and practice riding techniques through obstacle courses and traffic-safety stimulations. With guidance from instructors, they will gain confidence using hand signals, understanding road rules and improving visibility awareness, the release said.

Families will experience a wide range of stations and activities, including helmet personalization, bike-wash station, create-your-own license plate station and a Culligan hydration station, among others. There will also be incentives and rewards such as ice cream coupons.

Also to be featured is Mega Jump, a nationally touring BMX stunt team known for delivering thrilling performances paired with powerful, positive messages. Their shows aim to inspire kids to build confidence, make smart choices and push themselves to try new things, the release said.

Mega Jump stunt shows are 10 a.m. and noon Saturday.

“It’s a family-friendly event that is very new to the area,” Sprague said. “It’s a way for children and families to learn together and then enjoy time together this summer when riding the beautiful trails in the Mankato area.”