Easton children learned about bicycle safety from first responders and the Boston Children’s Hospital on Thursday, June 23. (Photo courtesy Easton Community Health and Paramedicine Program) 
A total of 28 residents attended the bicycle safety class on Thursday, June 23. Attendees learned about bicycle safety, law and regulations, helmet education and injury prevention. (Photo courtesy Easton Community Health and Paramedicine Program) 
Children learned about the importance of helmets and how to stay safe when riding their bikes during the bicycle safety class held for Easton families on Thursday, June 23. (Photo courtesy Easton Community Health and Paramedicine Program) 
Each child at the class received a free bicycle helmet and fitting from Boston Children’s Hospital during the bicycle safety class on Thursday, June 23. (Photo courtesy Easton Community Health and Paramedicine Program)
Car Seat Safety Class to be Held on July 23, Second Bike Safety Class Planned for Later this Summer
EASTON — Public Health Officer and Fire Capt. Tim Vamosi, Director of Health and Community Services Kristin Kennedy and Fire Chief Justin Alexander are pleased to share that a bike safety class was held for Easton families through the Community Health and Paramedicine Program.
The class was a collaborative effort with assistance from the Community Health and Paramedicine Program and Capt. Vamosi, Easton Police Officer David Lydon, Boston Children’s Hospital and Easton’s Health and Community Services department.
A total of 28 residents attended the class, held on Thursday, June 23. Attendees learned about bicycle safety, law and regulations, helmet education and injury prevention. Families had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss safety with first responders.
All of the children in attendance also received a free helmet and fitting from Boston Children’s Hospital. Take-home COVID-19 test kits were also distributed to all attending households at no cost.
According to the National Safety Council, the number of deaths from bicycle incidents increased 6% in 2019 and 37% in the last 10 years, from 793 in 2010 to 1,089 in 201. Of the bicyclist deaths in 2019, the vast majority involved motor vehicles.
Wearing a properly-fitted helmet is one of the most important aspects of bike safety and can can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%, according to nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide.
“Bicycle safety is a necessary and important topic for kids and adults alike, and we are grateful to our partners at the police department and Boston Children’s Hospital for assisting with this event,” Director Kennedy said. “Biking is a popular summer activity for kids, and it is our hope that classes such as these will educate kids as well as help parents understand how to keep their children safe.”
Added Capt. Vamosi, “We were thrilled to see so many kids and their parents in attendance and engaged in the class. Our overall goal is to provide safety tips and knowledge that may help to prevent biking accidents, and we hope this event helped Easton families learn the ins and outs of bike safety.”
Safe Kids Worldwide offers the following bike safety tips for kids and parents:
- Ride on the sidewalk when you can. If unable, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.
- Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between cars.
- Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
- For parents: Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.
The Easton Community Health and Paramedicine Program hopes to host a second bike safety class in August. The program will also be hosting a car seat education and give-away class on July 23. Registration links for both events will be posted on the town website when details are confirmed.
About the Easton Community Health and Paramedicine program:
The Easton Community Health and Paramedicine program is a partnership between Easton’s Fire Department and Department of Health and Community Services. The program blends health care, public safety and public health. By investing in proactive and preventative care, the program seeks to provide support to residents that limits the need for emergency care whenever possible. Several events and initiatives are currently offered as part of the program. Learn more here or here.
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