SRO: Bike Safety & Millbury Police Policy

As your School Resource Officer an important part of my job is education for students, staff and parents about a safety at school and in the community. I work closely with students every day, and I care deeply about each one of you. That is exactly why I am writing today about some changes at the Millbury Police Department. I ask you to read until the end, as this is a little long, but important.

As the weather gets nicer and more of our students are riding bikes to school and around town, I wanted to take a moment to reach out about something that is very important to all of us — your safety.

Over the past several weeks, officers have observed an increase in unsafe bicycle riding in and around our community — including riding against traffic, darting through intersections, riding on busy roadways without helmets, and other behaviors that put our young riders at serious risk of injury. Our goal is never to get anyone in trouble. Our goal is to make sure every child gets home safe.

From a personal perspective, I experienced the tragic loss of one of my childhood best friends, Sam V., in a bicycle accident. Sam and I had been friends since preschool. We shared classes throughout school, celebrated birthdays together, and spent countless hours enjoying the activities that make up childhood memories.

Sam was only 16 years old when he died. He was simply riding his bicycle a few miles from his home to work along rural roads—something he had done many times before. While bicycle helmets were available at the time, they were not as commonly worn as they are today.

That experience has stayed with me throughout my life and is one of the reasons I have always worn a bicycle helmet whenever I ride ever since. I am not sharing this story to frighten anyone, but rather to emphasize the importance of using proper safety equipment and practicing safe riding habits. A routine bike ride can quickly become dangerous when precautions are ignored.

If you choose to ride in an unsafe manner, interfere with traffic, or disregard the rules of the road, the consequences can be serious and potentially life-altering. My goal is not to discourage anyone from riding bicycles—I want everyone to enjoy riding, stay active, and have fun. I simply ask that you do so safely, responsibly, and with respect for your own well-being and the safety of others.

Effective immediately, the Millbury Police Department will be actively enforcing bicycle safety laws under Massachusetts General Law. Officers who observe unsafe riding may stop the rider, issue a warning, contact a parent or guardian, and in cases of repeated or serious violations, temporarily impound the bicycle for up to 15 days pending parent or guardian pickup.

This is not about punishment — it is about protection.

Here are a few simple reminders for safe riding:

• Always wear a helmet (required by MA law for riders under 17)
• Ride with traffic, not against it
• Obey all traffic signals and stop signs
• Use hand signals when turning
• Never ride distracted — put the phone away
• Be visible — use lights or reflectors when riding at dusk or after dark

Parents, we ask for your partnership. Please take a few minutes to talk with your children about safe riding habits. Your voice carries more weight than mine ever could.

Students — I see you every day, and I know you are good kids. I just want you around for a long time. Ride safe out there.

As always, don't hesitate to stop by my office, see me at school, or contact me with any questions.  

~ Officer Frank