PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Despite chilly temperatures and gusty winds, more than 100 children pedaled their way to fun and safety education during the third annual Pleasant Prairie Police Department Bike Rodeo on Saturday.

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Held in the south parking lot of the Pleasant Prairie Village Hall, the free community event welcomed kids ages 5 to 11 for a morning of obstacle courses, agility challenges, safety lessons, and generous giveaways—all with one common goal: keeping children safe on their bikes.

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“This is about building good habits early,” said Officer Sarai “Sara” Anguiano, who ran the event. “We hope to continue this for years to come.”

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Anguiano, a nine-year veteran of the department, carried on a tradition started by Police Chief Dave Smetana in 2023. Smetana and a team of officers and volunteers were on hand to help guide children through the course and assist with safety checks. “It’s great to see the community come together for a cause like this,” Smetana said, praising Anguiano’s leadership.

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Every child received a free, fitted bicycle helmet and T-shirt, and many left with more than that. A total of six brand-new bikes—donated by Volkswagen of Pleasant Prairie—were raffled off. Kids also received bike licenses, certificates of completion for passing the safety course, and goody bags from Visit Pleasant Prairie. Summer Moon Café donated hot coffee for parents and volunteers, Kwik Trip provided breakfast sandwiches, and beverages were supplied by Pepsi.

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A highlight of the event was the participation of Great Lakes Cycling, which offered free bike inspections, tire inflation, and minor repairs. Andrea Bender of Great Lakes Cycling emphasized the importance of the safety push. “Kids wearing helmets while riding their bikes reduce the chances of serious injury by 88%,” she told Kenosha County Eye.

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New to the 2025 Bike Rodeo were adaptive bicycles, allowing children with special needs to participate in the fun. With support from RecPlex Therapeutic Recreation and other partners, these accessible options ensured that no child was left out of the action.

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At least a dozen volunteers worked behind the scenes and on the course, including members of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department and Kenosha Area Noon Optimist Club, reinforcing a message that went beyond fun: bicycle safety saves lives.

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The event was made possible thanks to a long list of sponsors and donors, including EMCO Chemical Distributors, Froedtert South Hospital – Pleasant Prairie, Meijer, The Lettering Machine, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Visit Kenosha, CWA-Walworth County, and many others.

With its growing attendance and expanding offerings, the Bike Rodeo has become more than just an annual event—it’s now a cherished spring tradition in Pleasant Prairie.