LYNN — The Police Department hosted its annual Bicycle Safety Day Event at Manning Field on Aug. 12.
The event, geared toward younger children, included pamphlets with educational information about how to ride a bike safely. The LPD also gave away free helmets, locks, and bells to the bike-riders. Five bikes, which were donated by the Danvers Target, were given away in a raffle that participants could enter if they completed an obstacle course.
Lynn Police Officer Michael McEachern said while wearing a helmet is the most obvious bike safety tip, the LPD also makes sure to teach kids about visibility at night, different hand signals, the meaning of road signs, and following road rules.
“Crossing streets is definitely the most dangerous thing for kids. Many of them don’t know that they should actually be getting off their bike and walking through intersections,” he said.
LPD Lt. Thomas Holland emphasized the significance of Bike Safety Day, especially with Lynn’s recent efforts to add more bike lanes to its roads. He also referred to recent bike crashes in Lynn, including a July incident when a 16-year-old boy was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike near Cottage and Woodman streets.
“We just try to get the kids down here and engage in conversations about bike safety. Our bike officers see everyday how dangerous riding a bike in the city can be,” Holland said.
Lynn resident Cecilia Lujan attended the event with her 9-year-old daughter to help her learn bike skills, get fitted for a helmet, practice different hand signals, and learn road signs.
“These things can be confusing for kids, and there have been many scary incidents involving bikes in Lynn recently. Seeing this effort put on by the City shows that they care,” Lujan said.
Holland and McEachern said in recent years they have seen an increase of Lynn youth being more conscious about bike safety.
“For months after the event, I routinely see kids wearing helmets that we give here around the city,” Holland said.
Brianna Deleon, of Lynn, tries on her new helmet thanks to Lynn Police during Bicycle Safety Day on Tuesday.
Jelanny Deleon, of Lynn, navigates the obstacle course set up by Lynn Police during Bicycle Safety Day on Tuesday.
Wearing a brand new helmet given to him by Lynn Police, Christian Bonilla speeds through the obstacle course set up by Lynn Police for Bicycle Safety Day at Manning Field on Tuesday.
Lynn Police Lt. Thomas Holland hands out ice cream to brothers Daniel, left, and Christian Bonilla during Bicycle Safety Day at Manning Field on Tuesday.
With a little help from ABA therapist Alyson O’Brien, John Kolokithas, of Lynn, rides a two-wheeled bike for the first time during Lynn Police Department's Bicycle Safety Day on Tuesday.
John Kolokithas, of Lynn, rides his bike on two wheels for the first time during Lynn Police Department's Bicycle Safety Day on Tuesday.
Daniel Bonilla, of Lynn, navigates the obstacle course set up by Lynn Police during Bicycle Safety Day on Tuesday.
