Parma police this summer partnered with AAA East Central for its Helmet Smart Campaign to promote bicycle safety. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

PARMA, Ohio -- Over the last few months, nearly 20 bikers have received citations from Parma police. But they all left the scene with a smile on their face.

Those bikers were actually kid bicyclists. And the citations? Well, they were recognizing the riders’ attention to safety and included an invitation to an ice cream party and more.

That’s because this summer for the first time, the Parma police partnered with AAA East Central for its Helmet Smart Campaign to promote bicycle safety.

“There’s a lot of concern with children not wearing their safety equipment when they’re first learning how to ride bikes,” said Parma Police Lt. Dean Leon, who helped organize the city’s participation in the Helmet Smart Campaign.

“We’re trying to encourage this being a safer community and kids to wear their helmets.

“So with the help of social media, we put it out we’re looking to cite children for wearing helmets. They won an invite to an ice cream social at the police station and had an opportunity to win a bike through this program.”

After receiving a citation, the kids’ names were put into a monthly regional raffle for a new bike. Leon said while none of the Parma children were selected, they did enjoy a special ice cream party -- including a meet-and-greet with Police Chief Joe Bobak and police K-9 Max -- at the police station.

The kids receiving citations ranged in age from 4 to 9.

“Our traffic unit guys and bicycle patrol guys were pretty much the ones reaching out, interacting with the public and giving citations,” Leon said. “I gave out a couple.

“Most times, the parents aren’t far behind because the kids are young. We’d get their information and tell them what the program is about. They were all thrilled to death.”

Leon said the Helmet Smart Campaign fits squarely into the department’s community policing efforts.

“In today’s day and age, with the relationship between the public and police officers, this is a great way to introduce young people and families to our department and tell them what we’re all about,” Leon said.

“Now they see we’re family members, friends, fathers just like they are. It was a great interaction with these kids. I think it’ll help with the relationship between us.”

Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.

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