Kids Get Free Ice Cream Vouchers for Wearing Helmets

Kids in Upstate New York are getting the ultimate summer treat for doing something that could save their lives.

A police department in Upstate New York has officially kicked off its annual "Safe Summer Bike Helmet" program, which aims to reward kids who wear their helmets while riding their bikes with free ice cream.

Kids Get Free Ice Cream in Saratoga, NY

For the last 27 years, law enforcement agencies in Saratoga County have been doing something that we think all law agencies in New York should consider doing every year.

The 27th annual Saratoga County Safe Summer Bike Helmet program kicked off last week, on Wednesday in Clifton Park, NY, and is a unique way to reward kids for doing something that could be the difference between a small injury and one that could be life-threatening.

Wear a Helmet, Get Free Ice Cream

From now until the end of summer, law enforcement officers in Saratoga County are on a mission to reward kids who they see wearing their helmets while riding their bikes with free ice cream vouchers. This year, it's expected that officers will hand out more than 5,000 coupons to kids they see wearing helmets and riding their bikes safely, according to WTEN.

Kids who receive a voucher can redeem it at various area ice cream shops, including Friendly’s, Ben and Jerry’s, and Stewart’s Shops.

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New York officials applauded the program, which uses positive reinforcement to promote safe bicycle riding, including New York State Senator Jim Tedisco, who said,

"When there’s an accident without a helmet, sometimes they’re very serious, and sometimes long-term. But it impacts everybody. So, it’s doubly important for you to stay safe and make sure every way you obey the rules on the road. Your bike is prepared for riding, and you always wear a helmet."

 

More New York Police Departments Should Offer Free Ice Cream

Do you think a program like this would work in the Hudson Valley? We are lucky enough to have numerous ice cream shops offering sweet treats all summer. Would it be possible to get any of them to offer free ice cream vouchers for something like this?

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If you know of an ice cream shop that would be willing to participate, please let us know through our station app above, and we will see if we can make it happen in the Hudson Valley.