Children in Shaler will will have some help getting ready for the summer when the Shaler police host a bicycle rodeo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday at Kiwanis Park.

"We're just trying to get them ready for the summer," says Officer Nick Waugh, who organized the event. "It's important that they're ready to get out there and hit the streets and sidewalks."

During the event, children will have their bikes inspected, along with their safety equipment. Waugh says it's important the riders have helmets that fit properly.

The Etna police will help out by sending one of their officers on his bicycle. The Etna officer will test out the obstacle course to show children the proper way to ride.

After that, the youngsters will get to ride the course and learn the proper rules of the road from the local police.

The event is free and open to anyone. Registration will be taken the day of the event. All riders who register will get a free raffle ticket to win one of four bikes.

The bikes are donated by the St. Margaret's Foundation, state Sen. Jane Orie and state Rep. Randy Vulakovich.

Refreshments will be available, provided by the Middle Road Volunteer Fire Depart-ment and Eat'n Park.

Waugh isn't sure whether the township has ever held a bike rodeo before, but he said he hopes this one will be the first of many for local children to enjoy.

"We just want to make sure they stay safe," he says.