Fifty-five students from the Talbot Middle School who own bicycles were able to receive a free bicycle helmet at an assembly on bicycle safety put on by Mass in Motion Fall River and the Fall River Police Department on June 24, 2015. The session began with a dramatic entrance by Officers Richard Saraiva and John Ruggiero, followed by School Principal Jacqueline Francisco, riding their bicycles down the aisles of the school auditorium to the applause of the entire sixty-grade class. The Principal and the Officers then spoke about the importance of bicycle safety, following the rules of the road, and always wearing a helmet. The students were then invited onto the stage to receive their helmets and to be properly fitted. "This was a wonderful way to introduce students to safe cycling with plenty of positive role models," stated Mass in Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly. The helmets were donated by the Fall River Kiwanis Club whose primary mission is to reduce head injuries. Students also receive maps of safe bicycle routes in the City and information about bicycle safety as well as a reflector to put on the back of their bicycles. Click here for a 26-minute video of the event. Click here for photos of a 2013 bicycle helmet give-away at Talbot . For more information about the project, contact Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405.

(Top row) Lisa Zagarella smiles as Officer Sairiva parks his bicycle in the school office as Mass in Motion Coordinator Julie Kelly works with student Norelys Muniz to unwrap the helmets before the students arrive for the assembly. (Row two) Julie Kelly applauds Officers Saraiva and Ruggiero and School Principal Jacqueline Francisco following their dramatic entrance on bicycle to the front of the auditorium. (Row three) Students are called up to the stage to receive their helmets and to be fitted by the officers. (Row four) Students, including Tay-lyn Gomes and Docttanie Harris, right, wait their turn to get their helmets adjusted. (Bottom row) Once everyone is properly fitted, Principal Francisco dismisses them to their classes as they receive a red reflector for the back of their bicycles.