Community Corner

Reading Police To Reward Kids Riding With Helmets On

Reading police are handing out "citations" good for a free ice cream or slice of pizza to kids wearing their helmets.

Reading Police Officer Kaylyn Balbo presents a citation to a girl who was seen riding her bike with a helmet on.
Reading Police Officer Kaylyn Balbo presents a citation to a girl who was seen riding her bike with a helmet on. (Courtesy of Reading Police/JGPR)

Press release via Reading Police/JGPR

READING, MA – Chief David Clark is pleased to report that the Reading Police Department will be issuing citations to children who are caught wearing helmets this summer while bicycling or riding scooters or rollerblades.

Throughout the summer, Reading Police officers will be on the lookout for kids who are riding their bikes, scooters or rollerblades with helmets on, and issue "citations" good for a free ice cream or slice of pizza at participating businesses.

Find out what's happening in Readingfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The initiative supports and recognizes safe practices while allowing Reading Police to have continued positive interactions with community members.

"We hope our campaign of issuing citations to those we see with helmets will help motivate youth throughout the community to put on a helmet and pay attention to safety," said Chief Clark. "I would like to thank all of the businesses that have supported this effort. They all do so much for us!"

Find out what's happening in Readingfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Businesses who donated free ice cream and free pizza include Café Capri, Anthony’s Roast Beef, Dandilyons Ice Cream, Reading House of Pizza, Cal’s Creamery, Cal’s Brick Oven Pizza, Colombo’s Pizza and Café and Fat Larry’s.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.