Mike Hassen is chairman of the Auburn Optimist Club’s Bicycle Safety Fair, which is running Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Auburn Eagles parking lot, 702 M. St. SE. The Auburn Optimistic Club is a non-profit service organization.

Q. Why have the Bicycle Safety Fair?

A. To instill the importance of bike safety in children of elementary-school age so they don’t become part of the statistics pertaining to children and head injuries caused by improper equipment, lack of bike-handling skills and not being aware of the rules of the road. The event also will raise awareness of helmet safety among the kids of our community. Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

Q. Who is participating and what will happen?

A. The Bicycle Safety Fair is open to elementary and middle school children, grades K through eighth grade. They will participate in bike activities to teach them safety in a fun environment. This includes bike and helmet inspection, bike tune-up, going through an obstacle course and have friendly interaction with firefighters, police officers, other volunteers, the My ID fingerprinting program, face painting and more fun stuff.

Q. Will there by any cost to the kids, and how are you funding this?

A. This is a free event, and all children participating are given a free raffle ticket for one of several prizes when they register. We’re also taking donations for the Auburn Food Bank. While our club underwrites this event, some funding comes from our sponsors, like Verity Credit Union and Fred Meyer – but prize or cash donations to help the event are certainly welcome. We have had excellent support from the Auburn School District, Auburn Parks and the Auburn Eagles, who will be serving sodas and hot dogs.

Q. How did your club get involved and what do you hope to accomplish?

A. This is our 18th annual bicycle safety event, but the club has been in Auburn for over 23 years and is affiliated with Optimist international, the largest service club in the world with 115,000 members in 25 countries. Locally, we participate in over a dozen programs for kids, including scholarships, sports teams, awards programs and even sponsoring the Santa House downtown during the holidays. Our slogan is “bringing out the best in kids.” Our goal is to foster better citizenship.

Q. How enjoyable, satisfying has it been in working with kids and the fair in making an impact in the community?

A. It is always rewarding to know that through our volunteer efforts we are making a difference in kids lives, including their personal safety.

Q. What are the most commonly asked questions and concerns regarding riders and bike safety?

A. Parents ask us at what age should kids learn the rules-of-the-road and why is it important to wear a properly fitted helmet.

Q. Has the bike fair grown in numbers and stature?

A. Over the years countless children have attended. But what has real meaning to us is that even if just one child can be helped by proper bicycle safety training, then we’re happy. As for stature, other clubs like the Issaquah Optimists have been inspired to hold this event in their communities too, and this year they’re holding theirs the same day we are.