DENVER, Colorado (February 23, 2026) — This spring, Lincoln Elementary will once again transform its playground into a hub of two-wheeled activity as it hosts the annual Lincoln Elementary Bike Rodeo on May 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Denver’s West Wash Park neighborhood.
Organized in collaboration with Campus Cycles, the free community event is expected to draw hundreds of students and families for an afternoon focused on bicycle safety, skills development, and good old-fashioned fun.
The bike rodeo offers a mix of hands-on learning and celebration. Young riders can test their abilities on an obstacle course, compete in a slow bike race, and participate in a “rules of the road” clinic designed to teach safe riding habits. A bike repair station will provide free safety checks and basic maintenance, while a guided family ride through the surrounding neighborhood encourages riders to put their new skills into practice.
Food trucks, a helmet art station, music, raffles, and a six-block bike parade — complete with a police escort — round out the festivities.
“Our number one goal is to encourage people to get out on their bike more, not only for recreation but also for transportation,” said event organizer Kate Kopelove of Lincoln Elementary.
New this year is an e-cargo bike “hay ride,” offering families a chance to experience electric cargo bikes built to carry passengers or heavy loads with ease. The addition highlights the growing role of practical, car-replacing bicycles in urban transportation.
Campus Cycles, a longtime Denver bike shop, remains a cornerstone of the event. Staff mechanics will provide free safety inspections and maintenance — a service especially meaningful for families who might otherwise struggle to keep bikes in working order.
“We like to do events like this to show our gratitude for the support the community has given us,” said Campus Cycles co-owner Mark Velat. “It also ensures we are meeting their cycling needs while serving as a local resource.”
The rodeo also addresses a larger issue: the sharp decline in the number of children who bike or walk to school. According to Safe Routes to School, nearly half of school-aged children walked or biked to school in 1969. Today, close to 90 percent travel by car or bus.
By creating a safe, welcoming environment for young riders and their families, organizers hope to rebuild confidence in active transportation while promoting its environmental and physical health benefits. Events like the Lincoln Elementary Bike Rodeo not only teach practical skills but also foster a sense of community around cycling.
“The memories made at the bike rodeo help encourage everyone to change their habit of driving and think about how much more fun it is to use active transportation,” Kopelove said.
The Lincoln Elementary Bike Rodeo is free and open to the public. Those interested in volunteering can contact Kopelove at [email protected].
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