While downtown is busy with the second day of the Milk Run Music Festival on Saturday, May 2, Police Chief Gene Meek plans to take advantage of the crowds by hosting the second annual bicycle safety rodeo for kids.

The event is tentatively scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Campbell Drive near City Hall. Meek said he hopes to see a strong turnout following the success of last year’s debut, which drew more than 125 children.

“It was a great experience,” Meek said. “This year, we hope to draw at least half that many again, if not more.”

The rodeo focuses on safety education and skills training. For the younger participants, ranging from kindergarten through second grade, officers will set up cones to help children practice navigating small obstacles. Students in third grade will receive more advanced instruction to sharpen their existing skills.

The program expands for older children in fourth and fifth grade, who will join Meek for a supervised ride on the road. During the ride, they will learn how to use proper hand signals and obey traffic laws in a real-world setting.

This year’s event is also evolving to keep up with local trends.

“This year will also include micro-mobility devices,” Meek said, referring to the e-scooters that have surged in popularity in town. “It’s reaching the point where more kids are using (electric) scooters than bikes, so we are going to focus on both.”

Beyond the drills, the rodeo provides an opportunity for officers to inspect equipment. Meek noted that checking the safety of a bike or scooter can prevent accidents before they happen. He recalled a recent encounter with a youth on a scooter whose tires were completely bald.

“I told him he needed to slow down and stay off the sidewalk, but I also made sure to praise him for wearing his helmet,” he said. “I think you should always point out what they are doing right. Don’t just beat them over the head with what they’re doing wrong.”

Meek believes Wrangell’s youth are relatively responsible, and the rodeo aims to build on that foundation. He chose the location near City Hall to coincide with the Milk Run Music Festival, which will be held on Campbell Drive and at the Nolan Center, hoping the proximity to other festivities will make it easier for families to attend.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles or scooters and a properly fitting helmet.