Big-Hearted Bikers Support Local Teen, Deliver Anti-Bullying Message

A group of motorcyclists with big hearts delivered both an anti-bullying message and a teen who’s had to deal with bullying by his peers to Saucon Valley High School Monday.

The special needs student from Lower Saucon Township–whose identity Saucon Source has agreed not to disclose at the request of his family–was recently out of school for a couple weeks because of an injury “and just needed some moral support to go back,” his mom said.

He’s had problems with bullies in the past, and the most recent incident was only brought to her attention late last week, she said, adding that the school hasn’t had an opportunity to address this particular situation yet.

She said she and her husband would be meeting with school guidance officials Monday to discuss what’s been happening and have it addressed.

Ride organizer and family friend Shawn Gaffney said the ride was simply meant to be supportive for the young man, who was “nervous” about returning to school.

“We’re not trying to intimidate people, we’re trying to show kids that (he) has cool biker friends that care for him,” Gaffney said. “Kids look at bikers as cool, charitable people, so if they see us with (him) they might not pick on him.”

Added rider Glenn Hoffert, “We are raising awareness that this kid is having a problem. If the administration and student body see it, maybe it gets caught before something worse happens.”

“Even if the bullying doesn’t stop, at least we boost the kid’s self-esteem,” Hoffert said.

About 10 riders participated in the chilly early morning ride through western Lower Saucon which drew the attention of other motorists and families arriving at the high school Monday.

To see a video of the ride’s start, click here.