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State Senator Jim Tedisco has launched the 27th annual Safe Summer Bike Helmet program in Clifton Park. The program aims to encourage children to wear helmets while bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading by rewarding them with free ice cream. This year, 5,000 "good tickets" for free ice cream cones will be distributed to 12 police departments in Saratoga and Schenectady Counties. These tickets can be redeemed at participating locations such as Stewart's, Friendly's, and Ben & Jerry's.
The program is a collaborative effort involving local businesses, law enforcement, and community leaders. According to Senator Tedisco, the initiative not only promotes safety but also fosters positive interactions between children and law enforcement. "I want children to enjoy the summer, but I also want them to be safe when they’re riding their bicycles," Tedisco said. "This program is a community partnership among businesses, law enforcement, government, and parents."
New York State law mandates that children 14 and under must wear a helmet while riding, with a $50 fine for non-compliance. The program also provides free bike helmets to children in need, thanks to donations from the law firm Harding Mazzotti LLP and other local businesses.
The Safe Summer program addresses alarming statistics related to bike safety. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by 60 percent and brain injury by 58 percent.
The program will continue to engage the community throughout the summer, promoting safety and fun for all involved.