Jersey Shore to hold 9th annual Jacob’s Bike Fair
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JERSEY SHORE - It is a sad statistic that cannot be ignored, but each "year about 2 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists," the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said on their web site said in June 2024.
The borough of Jersey Shore is once again taking a stand against any bicycle related accidents with its Ninth annual Jacob’s Bike Safety at the Jersey Shore Pool Complex located at 410 Thompson Street. The event begins at 10 AM to 12 PM.
The event is sponsored by the Jersey Shore Recreation Committee and Lycoming Regional Police Department. Bonnie Messersmith, book and swimming pool manager said she expects a great turn out for the event.
She said kids will have the chance to get a safety inspection and the opportunity for bicycle checks and assistance to help with the repairs, kids will have the opportunity to win a new bicycle.
A flier for the event promised that should a young biker bring their helmet the can receive a reward.
According to the IIHS, a "majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head." It added this highlights "the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet."
Officer Kyle Fera, of the Lycoming Regional Police Department, said officers would be on hand to help with the inspections.
"The Lycoming Regional Police Department has been actively involved in organizing events that teach kids the importance of road safety from a young age," Fera said.
The more education the public has, especially younger bicyclists, the better it is for both drivers and bikers.
"Having officers present at these events helps the public understand the significance of bike safety and the rules in place to protect everyone," Fera said.
Fera said that as "a small town where bicycles and motor vehicles share the roadways, it is crucial to understand and follow bike safety laws to ensure everyone’s safety."
He said the event is a result of a tragic incident that occurred in 2015. Jersey Shore Middle School Jacob Walters died in a bicycle related accident on Sept. 17, 2015. He had been injured when his bicycle collided with a vehicle on Calvert Street on Sept. 16.
"In response to a tragic incident, our community has come together to promote bike safety and prevent future accidents," Fera said.
Since then the event has done a great deal of good for the community.
"I can attest to the positive impact it has had on the community. Our efforts have helped turn a tragedy into something positive, and the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly supportive," he said.
This brings an extra positive note for him on a personal level because was an officer who was involved in the original incident and has been part of this event for several years.
He said he expects this to be an annual event for years to come.
"We will continue to work with the family and the Borough to ensure that this event remains a valuable resource for the residents of Jersey Shore, promoting bike safety and preventing future tragedies," he said
Jacob’s Bike Safety Fair will be at the Jersey Shore Pool Complex on Thompson Street, on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 pm.