Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz recently issued an executive proclamation declaring April as “Bikers Against Child Abuse” month in Erie County, asking county residents to recognize the efforts of local motorcyclists who advocate for and protect abused children.

April is annually honored as National Child Abuse Prevention Month by Bikers Against Child Abuse, an international 501-c-3 organization of motorcycle riders who advocate for and protect abuse children in 18 different countries. The local chapter, which was founded in 2014, serves a wide area that includes Erie, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties.

“Child abuse and neglect is a complex and disturbing problem in our society,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Every child is entitled to be loved, cared for and should always feel safe and secure. It is our responsibility as adults to protect all children from verbal, sexual, emotional and physical abuse and neglect. I thank all of the volunteers from the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse for their continued efforts in assisting children in need and helping to protect them from individuals who have been identified and charged with child abuse. One of Erie County’s greatest resources is our children because they are the future leaders of our community.”

Local volunteers with Bikers Against Child Abuse work in collaboration with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, other government agencies, local law enforcement, health care and various other community organizations in helping to protect, heal and care for child abuse victims throughout Western New York.

For more information:

About the Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse, call (716) 222-2856 or visit www.bacaworld.org