Cops ’n Kids hosted a story time and police bike demonstration Jan. 11 at the Southside Fowler Center on Third Street. As the event began, children were invited to color a police badge nametags. Parents signed in, and filled out raffle slips. Children were welcome to choose five books to take home.

Crime Prevention Officer of the City of Bethlehem Police Department Tommy DeFrank introduced Officer Charles Stokes, of the Lehigh University Police, and Officer David Horvath, of the Bethlehem City Police bike patrol. President of Cops-n-Kids, Beverly Bradley, welcomed the children and parents and spoke with pride of the organization’s distribution of the one million, thirty nine thousandth book.

Officer DeFrank read a story about community helpers and talked about how you can trust them to help you.

Following the story, the group moved to the student lounge where hot cocoa and cookies were served. Once everyone was served, officers Stokes and Horvath gave a presentation on a mountain police bike and bike safety.

Both officers have been certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association. The latest mountain police bikes weigh 50 pounds, and contain a battery and motor. The bikes are not fully motorized; they must be pedaled to function. But the motor does the work when going up hills, a necessity in Bethlehem City. The bikes have large sturdy tires, and the cost $5,600, which is often covered by donors.

Bike officers do all their own maintenance. When asked how the bike officers pull over motorists, they explained they either pull alongside the offending vehicle, or they can take a photo of the license plate.

“We can send you a ticket in the mail,” one officer explained. “We don’t have to pull you over.”

The review of bike safety included proper positioning of helmet, and the necessity of wearing one.

“Everybody falls off bikes, even us... so always wear your helmet,” Officer Horvath said. The officers also reviewed road safety and turning and stopping signals.

Raffle prizes were next. Each prize was a basket of snacks, tea and coffee. Six baskets were given out. Then all families were given a bag of coloring, information and more, and finally children signed for their five free books. The officers stayed to sign the books for the kids.