Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia’s focus on bicycle safety will move from message to motion this weekend, as city leaders, local foundations, schools and families gather at Hyatt Park for a community event built around children, safety and neighborhood connection.
The Columbia Police Foundation and the Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation, in partnership with Walmart, will host the fifth annual Police, Parks & Pedals Community Bicycle Initiative and Rally on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
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The event will take place at Hyatt Park, located at 950 Jackson Avenue in Columbia.
The timing places the rally in the middle of National Bicycle Safety Month, giving the event a wider purpose beyond a one-day celebration. Organizers are using the occasion to promote safe riding habits while also giving selected students a memorable start to the summer season.
As part of the initiative, 24 students from Arden Elementary School and Hyatt Park Elementary School will receive new bicycles and helmets through the foundations’ partnership with Walmart.
The effort is designed to support young riders not only with new equipment, but also with the basic safety tools needed before they take to the sidewalk, park paths or neighborhood streets.
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The morning will end with an on-site bicycle rally, allowing students to use their new bikes in a supervised community setting. After the ride, students will be treated to free ice cream from the Columbia Police Department’s ice cream truck, adding a lighthearted finish to a program centered on safety, encouragement and public service.
Several city and community leaders are expected to attend, including Columbia District 1 City Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook and Columbia Assistant City Manager Henry Simons. Representatives from Arden Elementary School, Hyatt Park Elementary School, Richland County School District 1 and Walmart are also expected to be part of the event.
The gathering brings together the Columbia Police Department Foundation, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Foundation, Walmart, City of Columbia representatives, school district officials, honored students and their families.
More details are available here.
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For the students chosen to participate, the event is expected to be more than a giveaway. It is a chance to be recognized by their schools, supported by their city and encouraged to enjoy cycling in a safe and positive way.
For Columbia, it continues a growing tradition that links police, parks, pedals and people in one shared community space.
