BROOKINGS – The Brookings Public Library hosted the annual Bike Rodeo on Kidoodle Way Wednesday with an obstacle course for kids to ride and some safety tips from police.

Above, Brookings Police Officer Damian Weets gives instructions to the kids before sending them around the obstacle course. Some of the kids were worried the white lines were turning their wheels white, but it was just white chalk.

Below, Children’s Services Coordinator Katherine Eberline hands out stickers to each child. About 300 attended the rodeo.

Also below, BPD Officer Jonathan Weinrich talked to the kids about bike safety, including always wearing helmets, tennis shoes are better than flip-flops, and pads on elbows and knees. He said they can ride on the sidewalk, but if they ride on the street, they should have an adult with them and ride on the same side that traffic is going. When they come to an intersection, they should stop, look and listen, and make sure the driver sees them. He also shared some tips on what to do if you get too hot while riding, like drinking water or lemonade, going inside where there’s air conditioning or jumping in a pool or running through a sprinkler. If the kids get hurt while riding bike, they can call 911.

“I’d be more than happy to come,” he told them.

They can also tell a grown-up, go to a neighbor’s or a teacher, or someone else they trust for help. He pointed out they should never get in a car with a stranger.