Police dish out ice cream awards

“We have set a pro-active goal at the start of the bicycling and skateboard season to make sure that all kids have an appropriate helmet,” said Tiffany Hicks, School Resource Officer.

Hicks and fellow city officers are handing out coupons for free ice cream to juveniles who are observed to be wearing helmets and using their equipment in a safe manner.

In addition, police have exercised an option to issue violators of the mandatory helmet law a certificate for free head gear in place of the standard citation. These helmets are being offered by the Trauma Nurses Talk Tough program at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and donations are accepted whenever possible, although no child will be turned away because of an inability to pay.

“It is a well known fact that kids have avoided major injury, and had their lives saved, by wearing a helmet,” Hicks said.

She added that there are several laws regarding proper bicycle operation and individuals with questions are welcome to call her at 387-5259.