The Oviedo Police Department wants you to be safe when bicycling by wearing a bike helmet and by locking your bike securely anytime you are not riding it.

Whenever riding a bike, children under the age of 16 are required by statute to "... wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely to the passenger's head by a strap ... "

To obtain information on requesting a bicycle helmet for a child who cannot afford one, stop by Oviedo's Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) & Volunteer Center at Oviedo Marketplace Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 407-971-5705.  

Bike locks also are available to children free of charge.  The bike locks were purchased with forfeited drug money seized during investigations by Oviedo police officers.  This program provides a free bicycle lock to area youngsters who use their bike as transportation and are in need of a way of securing the bike.  The City of Oviedo Police Department recognizes that the theft of bicycles, especially from schools or recreation facilities, is a crime that is preventable with proper bike safety devices. The department also is aware that the availability of locks can save residents from being victimized and free up officer's time for other crime prevention efforts.

While quantities last, free bicycle locks are available to children at the C.O.P.S. & Volunteer Center at Oviedo Marketplace (near Dillard's), Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..  For more information you can call 407-971-5705.