ERVING — Ten-year-old Benjamin Johnson is ready to roll thanks to a tricycle acquired with the help of Police Officer Laura Gordon and Pedal Thru Youth, a Springfield organization that donates bikes, trikes and helmets to children with special needs.

Benjamin’s mother drove him to the Erving Police Station last week, telling him there was a surprise waiting for him. After they arrived, Gordon walked the boy, who has Down syndrome, around the corner to show him his new Worksman Cycles trike.

“It was fun. He said, ‘Awesome!’” recounted Jennifer Platek, the boy’s mother. “He didn’t know about it.”

Benjamin and his 4-year-old brother, Nathan, admired the trike before Platek and Gordon took Benjamin on his maiden ride around the station’s parking lot.

This project started at a youth bike rodeo — an event that consists of stations and courses where children learn about bicycle safety — that Gordon and the Erving Recreation Commission held on May 20. Gordon said Benjamin came to the rodeo and had a wonderful time, but could not participate because he did not own a bicycle adapted for his needs. Gordon said she talked with Platek and then reached out to Pedal Thru Youth founder Bob Charland, who she has worked with extensively since 2019.

Charland found a trike in stock and refurbished it with his stepson, Vinny, who also has Down syndrome, to surprise Benjamin with it.

“It was fantastic,” Charland said. “We love being able to do this for kids who can’t ride a typical bike. And something like this is going to be great for him.”

He said the trike folds up, making it portable. Platek said she plans to bring her children to ride around her mother’s Northfield neighborhood.

Before Benjamin received his surprise, Erving Police Chief Robert Holst praised Gordon’s community policing efforts and her collaboration with Pedal Thru Youth.

“It’s just amazing, what she does. And I ... as the chief can’t thank her enough for the commitment she has,” he said. “She’s only been in this community for, you know, just under a year and she embraces it like it’s her hometown.”

More information about Pedal Thru Youth and how to donate is available at pedalthruyouth.org.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.

]]>