Montgomery Police Bring Bicycle Safety Lessons to Local Children Through Community Bike Rodeos
Nicholas Mistretta
MONTGOMERY, NJ — The Montgomery Township Police Department is continuing its bicycle safety outreach efforts through a series of community programs aimed at teaching children safe riding habits, helmet use and the rules of the road.
The department’s Traffic Safety Unit recently partnered with the Montgomery Health Department and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association to hold a children’s Bike Rodeo at the Apartments at Montgomery Crossing on Hartwick Drive.
The event gave local children an opportunity to practice bicycle-control skills while learning about roadway awareness, safe riding practices and the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet.
Montgomery Health Department Public Health Planner Emily Schreiner and Health Officer Devangi Patel helped plan and coordinate the event, working with Greater Mercer TMA to develop the safety activities.
Lt. Andrew Perry, Sgt. Timothy Giaccone and Officer Chris Parlow of the Montgomery Township Police Traffic Safety Unit worked directly with participating children, providing instruction and emphasizing safe riding habits.
The Princeton Elks also participated in the event and donated ice cream and fresh produce.
Safety Lessons for Montgomery’s Youngest Riders
Police also recently partnered with Princeton Montessori School for a separate “Bikes and Trikes” safety program geared specifically toward children ages 3 to 6.
Perry, Giaccone and Parlow participated in that event as well, introducing basic bicycle safety concepts in an age-appropriate setting.
Officers checked helmet fit and reinforced the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet while encouraging safe riding behaviors. Police said the program also gave officers an opportunity to build positive relationships with children at an early age while introducing safety practices they can carry with them as they grow.
The two programs were designed to reach children at different stages of development, from young riders just beginning to use bicycles and tricycles to older children developing more advanced handling and roadway-awareness skills.
“Our children’s safety is one of our highest priorities,” Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet said. “Events like these Bike Rodeos give our officers an opportunity to connect with young members of our community while teaching them practical skills that can help keep them safe.”
Bet said the programs allow officers to work with children whether they are just learning to ride or are already developing stronger bicycle-safety skills.
“We are proud of the work of Lieutenant Perry, Sergeant Giaccone, Officer Parlow, and our Traffic Safety Unit, and we appreciate our community partners for helping make bicycle safety education both informative and enjoyable,” Bet said.
Montgomery Police are also encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce those lessons at home by making sure children wear properly fitted helmets, understand basic traffic laws, use appropriate safety equipment and remain alert to their surroundings while riding.
The department said the Bike Rodeos are part of its broader commitment to traffic safety, community outreach and protecting young members of the community.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com