Lancaster SRO Makes Bike Safety Fun
Lancaster Central Schools’ school resource officers serve an integral role in providing a safe environment and educating students on safety. May is Bicycle Safety Month and School Resource Officer John Zimmerman brought bicycle safety lessons to K-3 classrooms at all four elementary schools along with a fun new contest for third graders. This was the first year of the contest and one more way the SROs are making safety fun for students in Lancaster.
Officer Zimmerman is a frequent visitor at Lancaster’s four elementary schools. He spoke to students about the importance of wearing a helmet that fits, along with other tips like being visible by wearing bright clothing and reflectors, protecting their feet with sneakers and where it is safe to ride a bike, whether that is on the sidewalk, in the park or on the Heritage Bike Trail.
After the lesson, Officer Zimmerman asked third graders to create their own posters explaining, “Why is bicycle safety important?” Students created posters showing the importance of wearing a helmet, using hand signals, being seen and much more.
“Throughout the school year I visit classes and speak about a variety of topics from Bicycle Safety, Water Safety, Stranger Safety, and What a Police Officer Does,” Officer Zimmerman explained. “I think all of these topics tie in well with the role of an SRO. First and foremost, my role at the school is to provide a safe environment for them to learn and second is to build relationships with them so that they know when they need a police officer, the officer is there to help them.”
A boy and girl from each school were chosen as winners and will receive helmets, lights and bells, thanks to sponsorship by Tom’s Pro Bike, South Buffalo Wheelhouse and the Lancaster Police Benevolent Association.
This year’s winners include:
- Como Park – Sarah Fiegel and Vinnie Giangreco-Marotta
- Court Street – Kiera Rejewski and Cooper Hirtzel
- Hillview – Dominic Santo and Payton Waters
- Sciole – Savannah Block and Arham Mahmood
A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Lonzi of Tom’s Pro Bike for donating helmets for Como Park, Court Street and Hillview elementaries; Mr. and Mrs. Johnson of South Buffalo Wheelhouse for donating helmets for John A. Sciole Elementary! As well as to the K-3 art teachers who helped students to get started on their posters in class and elementary principals for their support and assistance with the contest.
