On June 3, 2017, we had the privilege of joining the Cornwall Community Police Services for their Bikes and Badges event. As part of our 10th anniversary of working with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s (OTLA) Helmets on Kids Program, we distributed helmets at the event.

The Bikes and Badges event is in its fourth year, and this is the second year that we have partnered with the Cornwall Community Police Services. The day was a huge success – more than 100 children attended along with many family members and friends.

The event was held at St-Lawrence College in Cornwall. Children received free high-quality helmets, safety equipment, a mechanical bicycle inspection by a local bicycle retailer, and lunch. Parents were also able to register their children’s bicycles at the Crime Prevention Booth, so that they would be easier to recover if they were ever stolen.

Police officers were on hand to teach everyone how to steer, signal, and avoid hazards while biking. An obstacle course gave the kids a chance to test out their new skills. On top of all that, there was a demonstration involving a police motorcycle navigating the twists and turns of the obstacle course, and a Zumba class!

In addition to distributing helmets, we had our always popular Jell-O brain on hand to help the children learn about the importance of protecting their heads. Even some of the adults couldn’t resist a chance to touch the brain.

Thanks very much to the Cornwall Community Police Service for hosting such a great and important event. It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning!