Free Pizza For Those Caught By Cranford Cops Bike Riding Safely

CRANFORD, NJ - July is the the time when children getting caught by police could be a good thing in Cranford as their "Caught Doing the Right Thing" campaign will reward them for positive behavior.

According to authorities, in an effort to promote the use of helmets and encourage safe behavior, the safety initiative uses positive reinforcement and education as a way to emphasize the importance of helmet safety and brain injury prevention.

Children under the age of 17 seen wearing a helmet when participating in a wheeled sport activity will be given a "positive summons" by a Cranford Police Traffic or Juvenile Detective.

"The goal of our program is to increase helmet use by those under the age of 17 and encourage children throughout Cranford to get 'caught' wearing a helmet through this reward-based program," Chief Ryan Greco said.

The summons includes a reward for the child for practicing safe responsible behavior. The reward, donated this year by Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta of 28 Eastman Street, can be redeemed for a free slice of pizza at their establishment through Aug. 31.

The summons also enters the helmet compliant rider into a raffle for a gift card. This gift was made possible by a donation from the Cranford PBA Local #52.

Brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. A properly worn helmet is the single most effective safety device available to reduce the chance of brain injury and death by as much as 85 percent. New Jersey's helmet law requires that "Children under the age of 17 wear a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding, and roller-skating."

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