PORT TOWNSEND — East Jefferson Fire-Rescue will participate in a program that rewards children who wear helmets while bicycling.
In the Safe Rider Citation program, parents of children “caught” wearing helmets get “safe rider citation” cards.
The cards not only commend the child for safe behavior, but also entitle the child to one free reduced-fat vanilla ice cream cone from the McDonalds at 310 W. Sims Way in Port Townsend.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to provide kids who are doing the right thing with an immediate reward,” said Assistant Chief Steve Craig.
“We know that the child who receives an ice cream cone will remember that moment the next time they’re hopping on their bike, and will be more likely to strap on their helmet.”
This is the seventh year of the Safe Rider Citation program and the first with McDonald’s as a corporate partner.
According to the Children’s Safety Network, bicycle injuries and deaths affect children and young people more often than any other age group.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that “. . . in 2005, 30 percent of the pedal cyclists injured in motor vehicle crashes were 14 years old or younger.”
