The Flemington police officers are "ticketing" children this summer – for wearing helmets.
FLEMINGTON - The Flemington Police Department will be "ticketing" children this summer -- for wearing helmets.
This is part of the #SafeSummer initiative started by Dr. Michele Blood, a local freelance writer, and Milissa Swingle, local mom of four who works at Sanofi in Bridgewater. They've also teamed up with Flemington Community Partnership's Judy Goodwin.
Children who are spotted wearing helmets, or practicing safe riding habits while bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading, will be "ticketed" by local police. The tickets are gift cards for various goodies from several local sponsors.
"The program is a local initiative to encourage safe bicycling behavior among children and build a relationship between borough families and the police department," Blood said.
Blood said this program allows children to experience positive interactions with the police early in their lives to learn that dealing with the police doesn't have to be negative. She said it is also a way to encourage safe riding behavior.
"The best way to change behavior among children is by rewarding the behavior you want to see more of," Blood said. "The program is a way for kids to have fun and do it safely."
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Kids with fewer means from poorer communities will receive a voucher for a helmet, donated by #SafeSummer sponsors.
The first of the gift cards was given out July 7. Organizers' initial goal was to end the program when 100 coupons have been given out, but Blood said they have far exceeded that number and are continuing the program until their "goodies" from the sponsors are gone. She said they currently have plans to continue the program next year.
The sponsors involved with the program include: Chick-Fil-A, Roy Rogers, Rita's, Matt's Red Rooster, Hunterdon Medical Center, SafeKids NJ, Rob Klebosis, Gabby's, Cocco's Cafe & Gelato, Main Street Bagel, and 7-Eleven.
"We were overwhelmed by support from local businesses, organizations, and individual citizens," Blood said. "Flemington is a tight-knit community and folks were quick to respond."