More Lakewood children are wearing helmets while riding bikes, thanks to The Lakewood Scoop’s original ‘Click-it & Lick-it’ rewards program – now in its third season.
“To me it seems more kids are wearing helmets, and I definitely attribute this to the ‘Click-it & Lick-it’ program,” says Mayor Albert Akerman.
Though he’s not a police officer, Akerman says children are always coming up to him asking him for the free ice cream cards.
“It’s a great innovative program, and it brings awareness to kids in a fun and healthy way,” says the Mayor.
TLS founded the program in 2013 in response to several tragic incident involving cyclists. The program has since been co-sponsored by Sprinkles (for the ice cream coupons) and J2 Pizza (for the slush coupons).
In recent weeks, police officers have handed out, and continue to hand out, hundreds of coupons.
In addition to the positive reinforcement aspect of the program, the program also increases the comfort level between children and police, prompting lost children to approach an officer, or to report a crime or suspicious behavior.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS: This program is specifically being done in conjunction with the Lakewood Police Department for security and safety reasons. Cards will ONLY be given out by patrol officers in a MARKED police car. No private citizens whatsoever will be distributing these cards. Children should be told never to approach a stranger’s vehicle – even if he or she claims to be from the Law Enforcement community. If you see someone other than a police officer attempting to give a child the ice cream card, please report it to the LPD & TLS immediately.
as is said many times over kids in certain areas are getting coupons. I live in the pine street area and my kids have always worn helmets but we have never once seen a police officer giving out coupons.
“One Comment” not everybody can get the coupon. that’s impossible! if it gets more helmets on that’s what it is intended for. & you can not possibly see when they are given out. more important things to worry about!
yup, just yesterday, ridge, somerset, vintage cir kids made mention that no one here has ever received any coupons.
wow ppl give your kids coupons yourself to show them you are proud that they wear the helmets. isn’t that the goal here. if you are the lucky mother of kids that wear them anyway already tell them how great it is and how lucky you are and that’s all that matters.
OCHD also announced recent spike of sugar related obesity among children since program started.
Instead of complaining and waiting around for everyone else to do everything for you why not get involved see what you can do to expand the program in your area maybe come up with another incentive idea try getting another cosponsor for the program etc.
#justsaying
#BePositive
#Bealeader
No one said every kid can get and no one expects every kid to get. if the kids know about the program – and we’re assuming that the goal is that they should – then shouldn’t the kids know someone in the neighborhood who got it? My kids don’t know a single friend who did because police don’t patrol in our area.
be proactive, read the above comments and buy some gift cards for your neighborhood, still not everyone will get 1., but than u will understNd