Helmet Program Rewards Strongsville Children For Safety

STRONGSVILLE, OH - The Strongsville Police Department is again giving "tickets" to kids seen wearing their helmets while on a bicycle.

Of course, the tickets actually include a redeemable coupon for a kids cone at Olympia Sweet Treats & Grill. The tickets also include a chance to win a bicycle, safe tips for bicycle riding and more.

"It is a collaborative effort to help educate and reinforce the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet by encouraging all parents to take an active role in their children’s safety to encourage all children to wear bike helmets when riding," Lieutenant Michael Campbell said. "Children 14 and under are very vulnerable to head injury while riding their bikes. This is true, no matter how responsible and careful children are."

Strongsville police is working with AAA to promote the program. Outside of the "ticket" program, police are also providing education to parents, like sending home information to Safety Town participants.

"The key is to educate, promote, and reward the behavior of wearing this essential safety equipment. If done correctly it becomes a natural part of going for a bike ride, sort of like fastening a seat belt is a part of driving a car," Campbell told Patch in an email.

Officials said that a shatter-resistant impact helmet can be purchased for as little as $10 and can save a child's life. AAA will give away a bicycle once a month from June through August.

"Our goal is to use these positive tools to reinforce the importance of wearing a bike helmet and increase the number of bicyclists (especially children) wearing bike helmets to help protect the people of our community," Campbell concluded.