Police Promote Bicycle Safety While Having Fun at a Bike Rodeo in Montgomery

By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | August 18, 2026

The Montgomery Township Police Department (MTPD) Traffic Safety Unit continues to promote bicycle safety and safe riding habits through community outreach programs designed to educate children of all ages.

Montgomery Township Police Officer Christopher Parlow guides a young young with training wheels.

Photo courtesy of MTPD.

The MTPD recently partnered with the Montgomery Health Department and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (Greater Mercer TMA) to conduct a children’s Bike Rodeo at Hartwick Drive in Skillman. The event provided local children with an engaging opportunity to learn and practice important bicycle safety skills.

The Apartments at Montgomery Crossing on Hartwick Drive Bike Rodeo focused on helping young bicyclists develop safe riding habits and better understand the rules of the road. Children participated in hands-on activities designed to reinforce bicycle control, awareness, safe riding practices, and the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet.

Advertisement

Montgomery Health Department Public Health Planner Emily Schreiner and Montgomery Health Officer Devangi Patel played a key role in planning and coordinating the Hartwick Drive event, working closely with Greater Mercer TMA to develop the bicycle safety program and activities.

Lt. Andrew Perry, Sergeant Timothy Giaccone, and Officer Chris Parlow of the Montgomery Township Police Traffic Safety Unit worked directly with participating children, providing instruction and guidance while emphasizing the importance of making safety a priority every time they ride. The Princeton Elks participated during the event and graciously donated ice cream and fresh produce. 

The Montgomery Township Police Department also recently partnered with Princeton Montessori School for a separate “Bikes and Trikes” safety event designed specifically for very young children, ages 3 to 6. Lieutenant Andrew Perry, Sergeant Timothy Giaccone, and Officer Chris Parlow participated in the event, interacting directly with the children and introducing basic bicycle safety concepts in a fun and age-appropriate setting.

• 

• 

• 

Above from left: Greater Mercer TMA representatives, Montgomery Township Police Lt. Andrew Perry instructs a young young rider, and Sgt. Timothy Giaccone goes over bicycling rules with a new cyclist.

Photos courtesy of MTPD.

During the Princeton Montessori event, officers checked the children’s helmet fit and reinforced the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet, while encouraging safe riding behaviors. The event provided an opportunity for officers to establish positive relationships with children at an early age while introducing them to important safety practices they can carry with them as they grow.

Both events demonstrate the Montgomery Township Police Department’s commitment to providing bicycle safety education to children at different stages of development—from very young children who are just beginning to ride to older children who are developing more advanced bicycle-handling and roadway awareness skills.

Police Chief Silvio Bet said, “Our children’s safety is one of our highest priorities. 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. Whether we are working with children who are just learning to ride or those developing their bicycle safety skills, these programs allow us to make a positive impact at an early age. We are proud of the work of Lt. Perry, Sgt. Giaccone, Officer Parlow, and our Traffic Safety Unit, and we appreciate our community partners for helping make bicycle safety education both informative and enjoyable.”

Advertisement

The Montgomery Township Police Department encourages parents and caregivers to reinforce bicycle safety at home by ensuring children wear properly fitted helmets, understand basic traffic laws, use appropriate safety equipment, and remain alert to their surroundings while riding.

The department’s bicycle safety programs reflect its ongoing commitment to traffic safety, community outreach, and protecting the youngest members of the community.