Seventh and eighth grade students at the Talbot Middle School summer program had the chance to learn about bicycle safety from Fall River Police Officer Matt Silvia before receiving free helmets donated by the Greater Fall River Kiwanis Club and BMC HealthNet Plan on July 31, 2013. Officer Silvia covered the importance of wearing bicycle helmets, the basic rules of the road and other related topics to ensure that young riders know how to make riding safe. School Adjustment Counselor Robin Thorpe and teachers Jenn Bogan, Randy Bernardo and Matthew Weaver were on hand to assist the children with selecting the right size helmet and helping them adjust the straps. The Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan offers Mass Health Members up to age 19 free bicycle helmets, with larger sizes offered as they grow. Click here for photos of his presentation at the Greene Elementary School. Click here for a six-and-a-half minute video of the event. For more information about the program, contact Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly, at 508-324-2405.

(Top row) Fall River Mass In Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly introduces Fall River Police Officer Silvia who talks about bicycle safety to seventh- and eigth-graders at the Talbot Middle School. (Row two) Teacher Randy Bernardo adjusts Calvin Nogueira's helmet strap while teacher Jenn Bogan helps another student try on a helmet. (Row three) School Adjustment Counselor Robin Thorpe helps a student with his helmet, and TJ Reddy, right, shows his helmet off to a friend as Julie Kelly, center, oversees the event. (Bottom row, left and center) Serena Esteves and Deirdra Durate decorate their helmets before Serena tries hers on with Brianna Williams. (Bottom row, right) Bryce Arruda watches as Collin DoRego tries his helmet on.