PS261 Bike Swap and Rodeo This Weekend

They say you never forget how to ride a bicycle. And the first time a child can successfully maintain balance on two wheels is a significant milestone.

This Saturday at , children from all over the Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods will experience that singular joy at the  from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“I actually cried seeing my son ride for the first time," said Lucie Szakallas of watching her son Nathaniel, 5, at last year's event.

If your child requires instruction on bike riding, there will be certified Bike New York teachers on hand to take them through the basics. Volunteers help kids and parents select the right size bike for each child, then teach them the basics of balance. The volunteers remove training wheels, pedals and lowered bike seats so the kids can have their feet on the ground. Once the children learn how to balance, they put the pedals back on and it’s time to ride. According to volunteers, it can take a child as little as 10 to 15 minutes to learn to ride.

Meanwhile, Pacific Street will be closed for older kids who want to participate in riding games as part of the "bike rodeo."

For those looking to unload an old bicycle that has been outgrown, in any condition, bring it to the PS 261 playground and donate it to a child in need—or swap it for a new "used" bike.

Mechanics from  will be on hand to tune up and fix up kids bikes of all sizes, and NYCDOT's expert helmet fitters will be giving away free bike helmets.