Brian Hagberg
YOUNGSVILLE, Pa. – Participants and volunteers braved the sun and heat Saturday as Youngsville Police hosted a bike rodeo at the Youngsville Fire Department.
Youngsville Police officers, along with Warren Cycle Shop’s Andy Georgakis, made sure participants had properly fitted helmets and sized bikes.
“You bring the community together and do safety events and just get together with them,” Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser said. “So they see us in a different light and understand that we’re their friends, not strangers.”
Patrolman Ben Leach led participants through a series of bicycle exercises and safety demonstrations as well.
“He actually had to go to training in State College for a few days and he didn’t realize how intense and how much riding they do because they do that bigger areas,” Mineweaser said. “So he went to training and got certified. So he rides in the parades and bike to school events. So the kids like seeing an officer on a bike.”
The bike Leach was riding was donated by Warren County Crime Stoppers. Helmets, and a bike that was raffled were donated by Warren Walmart.
“It wouldn’t be successful without the people who donate,” Mineweaser said. “I mean, every year we give helmets away to a lot of kids that don’t have them.”
Mineweaser said this event, along with the teen driving challenge the department hosts annually, allows younger residents to understand the police role in keeping them safe.
“We take care of each other, we look out for each other,” Mineweaser said. “We want to educate them so they don’t get in trouble and they know the laws of the road with their bikes. It’s just getting together with our kids. And I think the more you get to know your youth, the less problems you have in the future and the better relationships you have with them all.”
