Kids wearing bike helmets will be rewarded

While bicycling is a popular activity for youth and adults alike, it remains the leading cause of recreational injury in children and adolescents, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Head injuries are amongst the most severe of cycling injuries. As a result, head trauma accounts for about half of all incidents related to bicycling injuries, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society.

The Coniston Community Action Network and the Azilda Community Action Network are partnering with the Greater Sudbury Police Service Rural Community Response Unit in launching a program to encourage youths to wear their helmets while operating their bicycles and scooters.

Greater Sudbury Police officers will be conducting proactive patrols within the Coniston and Azilda communities to encourage community youth to wear their helmets. When officers encounter youths wearing helmets while operating bicycles and scooters, the youths will receive a voucher for a free summer treat when redeemed at participating convenience stores.

The redeemed vouchers will be entered into a ballot box throughout the summer and at the end of the season, one voucher will be drawn for a grand prize.