110 already signed up for Saturday’s Kellen Lund bike ride

The memorial bike ride for Kellen Lund, which started as a small idea, has had a big response; 110 advance registration forms have been turned in already, and at leas t 10 0 people have RSVP'd on facebook.

"Stacy Baldwin actually thought of it," said his mother, Jeri O'Leary. "Now there's a committee."

Baldwin is a fami ly friend.

Kellen, 9, was hit by a semitrailer last summer while walking his bicycle across 7th Avenue at 1st Street.

O'Le a r y s a i d the fo c u s o f Saturday's event is on remembrance and awareness for other children and for drivers.

The memorial, which will take place at Pepin Park, is meant to celebrate Kellen's life.

"We just want everyone to have fun," O'Leary said.

"I'm pretty excited. I can't wait."

Registration and a volunteer meeting is at 9 a.m., and the ride begins at 10:30.

Participants can sign up for a three- or five-mile ride, or simply come for the barbecue which begins after the ride.

There will be games, live music and gifts, like bracelets and water bottles, to help raise awareness about bike safety. Four bicycles also will be given away.

The bike ride, which is planned to take place annually, will continue to be free and open to all ages.