Clermont Police Department will host a four-mile Bike with a Cop event for children and their families on, Sept. 14, 2018, from 6 p.m. – 7 pm, at Waterfront Park located at 100 3rd St.
Officer Todd Harris partnered with Walmart and Clermont Pizza Hut to host the event.
Officer Harris said while he was on patrol in the downtown and Waterfront Park area, he asked children for suggestions. One of the suggestions presented was for police officers to go on a bike ride with youth on the bike trail.
“I thought, what a great idea.” Harris stated. Harris said he thought how fun it would have been when he was a child if he has the opportunity to ride a bicycle with a police officer. “I wanted to plan a fun bike ride for the kids and also give them some good bicycle safety tips”, Harris said.
The event includes a 10-minute safety talk, then groups will be broken down according to the age and riding ability of the cyclist. The bike route will start at the Champions Splash Pad at Waterfront Park, and the distance will be determined according to the group. At the conclusion of the ride, all riders will be served free pizza from Clermont Pizza Hut, and free Popsicles and drinks will be provided courtesy of the Clermont Wal-Mart.
All riders must wear helmets. Any children who need a helmet can get one for free at the Clermont Police Department before the bike ride by appointment only. Children receiving a helmet are required to be properly fitted by a certified police officer. Call the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit to schedule your time slot at 352-536-8455.
