LYNNFIELD – With summer coming and May being National Bicycle Safety Month, the Lynnfield Moms Group recently hosted the “Bike Palooza,” a bike-safety event for children at the Glen Meadow playground.

According to Mass.gov, school-aged children from 5 to 18 account for more than 50% of non-fatal bike injuries. 

Alena Jewett, Christine Marra, and Julie Hersey, who are in charge of children’s events for the Moms Group, organized the event and partnered with Officer Alex Doto of the Police Department. Doto gave bike-safety advice to around 20 kids and their parents/guardians. His tips include making sure that only one person rides the bike at a time without anyone standing on the bike pegs (an attendee asked a clarifying question about whether or not her Teddy Bear can be on the basket and ride with her, to which Officer Doto responded to with a “yes”), shoelaces are properly tied and clothes are of the proper length, and chains are not too loose. 

Nate Ross, a bike technician for City Cycle Inc. of Stoneham, was also there to check that the kids’ bikes are in good condition and make adjustments if necessary.

“It’s also to encourage more exercise through riding bikes, and it’s better for the environment,” Hersey, who is also a dietician, said. “It’s good to start them young with healthy habits.”

Lynnfield resident Jeremy Franklin attended with his 7-year-old, Zachary, who only learned how to ride a bike without training wheels a couple of weeks ago. 

“We wanna make sure that the bike is in working order,” Franklin said as Ross checked Zachary’s bike. “And it’s a great community event.”