Forks Bike Derby Strives for Safety and Smiles

It was less than an hour into the Forks Township Bike Derby Wednesday and Police Chief was already pleased with the turnout.

All around him near the tennis and basketball courts of , children pedaled on their bikes through an obstacle course, got fitted for new bike helmets and received certificates for a job well done.

Kathleen Guthrie of South Whitehall Township had the best seat in the house.

She got to sign the certificates stating that children successfully completed the bike derby.

"It feels great," she said. "I love working with these kids. There's a lot of smiles today."

One smile came from Tyler Cocciolillo.

The 7-year-old took his certificate and told how he's learned a lot of safety rules.

"Always wear your helmet and stop when you see a stop sign," he said.

Children and parents were given a packet of information when they registered: a Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver's Manual, a Activity Coloring Book, a handout on bike helmet usage and a state guide on bike safety.

Lindsay Crespo took her two children to the derby.

As her 3-year-old daughter Katelyn rode around the course, the Forks Township mother held her 21-month-old son, Brayden, who was wearing a bike helmet, in her arms.

"It's great that you can exchange your bike helmet at no cost," she said. "And the police check the bikes to make sure they're safe. It's just a great program."

Public Works employee Dave Bonser instructed children about how to do figure eights on the obstacle course in an effort to learn how to keep their balance on their bikes.

"There's a lot about safety," he said. "But we make it fun for the kids."

Forks Township Community Resource Police Officer Brooks Kranich helped children get started on the derby track. He helped put the program together.

"The kids were here really earlier this year," Kranich said. "It's packed, especially with this weather. Last year was brutally hot."

Dorney said the derby usually averages 80 children each year.

But from the looks of it, the chief thought that figure could be topped this year. And that brought some more smiles.