Several area groups are offering area residents a chance to learn all about bike safety.

The groups are partnering to host the annual Bike Safety Bash from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Lions Park on Oakland Place Northeast.

“The idea is to try to reduce the number of bike injuries and encourage people to bike safely,” said YMCA Director Tedd Maxfield said. The YMCA is one of the event’s sponsors.

Activities will include helmet fittings, bike fittings, a bike safety course, and a bounce house for children. There will also be minor bike repairs, such as filing tires. The event is free and open to the public.

After several years at the YMCA, organizers moved the program to Lions Park in the hope of reaching more participants. Maxfield said there has always been a nice turnout from the public in the past.

Children’s bike helmets will be for sale, which are purchased from Austin’s Rydjor Bike Bike Shop at a discounted price, and money is donated from several sponsors. The helmets will be for sale for a co-pay of $5, $10 for adults. If it rains, the event will move indoors to Queen of Angels church.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids to kick off the summer safely,” Maxfield said.

Some sponsors include the Austin Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Mower Refreshed, Rydjor Bike, Southern Minnesota Bike Club, Vision 2020’s Bike-Walk Committee and the YMCA.