The inaugural Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Day — a joint effort between the Farmville Police Department, the High Bridge Trail State Park and the Farmville VFW Post 7059 — was held Saturday at the Farmville Community Marketplace, drawing many children and adults seeking to learn more about bike safety.

The first-of-its-kind event included free helmets, bicycle safety courses and hot dogs, chips and drinks, along with instruction on how to properly navigate along the town’s roads, streets and sidewalks on bikes.

For more photos of the event, click here.

Farmville Police Det. Sgt. David Ragland, who helped spearhead the event, said the rodeo was for both children and adults. Just shy of 50 people attended the rodeo, he said.

“It’s kind of geared toward the children, but adults (were) invited to come as well,” he said.

Thanks to Walmart, police and volunteers were able to hand out bike helmets for free to members of the community. Food Lion was another sponsor of the event, according to Ragland.

Officers also showed children how to properly secure their helmets before embarking on a bike ride.

“(The way) this idea came up, it was a combination of all three organizations,” Ragland said. “We have Farmville (Police Department) involved, Virginia State Parks and the local VFW (Post) here in Farmville. It’s actually a group effort here.”

Ragland called the event “a plus-plus” for everybody.

“The success of this event could not be possible without the support of the local VFW, Virginia Park Service, Farmville Police Department and the community. I also would like to thank … Food Lion and Walmart stores for donating the food and the bike helmets,” Ragland said.