Clifton Park -- Exercise safely this summer and get free ice cream to beat the heat. That’s the goal of Senator Jim Tedisco’s (R,C-Ballston Lake) innovative Safe Summer Bike Helmet program which is celebrating its 28th anniversary of keeping Saratoga County and Schenectady County kids safe.

Senator Tedisco joined with Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown, Saratoga County Clerk and owner of Hayner’s Ice Cream and Country Store in Halfmoon Craig Hayner, and Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett to lead the Southern Saratoga County YMCA summer camp attendees in a bike ride and then scooped free ice cream donated by Stewart’s Shops.

This year, Senator Tedisco’s Safe Summer Program will distribute 5,000 “good tickets” for free ice cream cones to 12 local police departments to reward children who wear their helmets while bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading, and give free bike helmets to kids who need one.

Tedisco’s Safe Summer program is made possible thanks to donations from participating businesses: Stewart’s Shops, Hayner’s Ice Cream and Country Store in Halfmoon, Ben & Jerry’s, and Friendly’s.  The law firm of Harding Mazzotti LLPis donating hundreds of new bike helmets to police departments in Saratoga and Schenectady Counties to distribute to children who need them.

“Summer is the season for kids to have fun, but we can’t ever forget that they need to keep safety in mind.  I want children to enjoy the summer, but I also want them to be safe when they’re riding their bicycles. My Safe Summer program, now its 28th year, reminds kids every year to wear their helmets while rewarding good behavior with coupons for free ice cream,” said Senator Tedisco. “This program is a community partnership among businesses, law enforcement, government and parents and it’s truly a model for how caring people can come together and promote a fun and safe environment for children. Safe Summer also provides positive interactions between law enforcement and kids.”

It’s the law in New York State that children up to age 14 must wear a bicycle helmet or parents could face a $50 fine. The cost of a bicycle helmet is about $30.00. The average charge for a hospital stay due to a bicycle related brain injury is $18,900 with an average length of stay of four days. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, nearly 87 percent of kids with skull fractures from bicycle-related accidents were not wearing helmets. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by 60 percent and brain injury by 58 percent. It’s estimated that 75 percent of bike-related fatalities among children could be prevented with a helmet. Universal use of bicycle helmets by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries, and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually.

Senator Tedisco’s Safe Summer Program aims to address these alarming statistics by using positive reinforcement to get all neighborhood kids into the habit of wearing their helmets for safe biking, in-line skating, or riding a skateboard or scooter. 

“The safety of our children is a top priority for the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The Safe Summer Bike Helmet Program allows us to encourage kids to safely ride their bicycles, scooters and skateboards in a fun atmosphere while wearing a helmet. I want to thank Senator Tedisco for his leadership these past 28 years in helping to protect our kids and encouraging them to have positive interactions with law enforcement,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown.

“Senator Tedisco's Safe Summer kickoff program is a fun event that reminds children about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle. With school now out for summer, motorists should be especially mindful to slow down and anticipate children and adults riding their bikes along busy roadways. Many thanks to Senator Tedisco for putting together this important educational event,” said Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner who oversees the Saratoga County Department of Motor Vehicle Offices. He, along with his wife Carolyn are owners of Hayner’s Ice Cream and Country Store in Halfmoon, NY, and are a sponsor of the program by providing free ice cream cone coupons.

“Senator Tedisco has spent many years encouraging children to stay safe and wear their helmets when they are riding their bikes and having fun,” said Stewart’s Shops president Chad Kiesow. “Stewart’s is happy to support those efforts and what better way to do it than by rewarding kids with a free ice cream cone.”

“At Harding Mazzotti, we're proud to stand alongside Senator Tedisco's Safe Summer program year after year. The mission of this program matters more today than ever. As e-bikes have exploded in popularity, we're seeing more young riders traveling at higher speeds, and injuries have climbed right along with them. A program that teaches kids how to ride smart and makes sure they have a helmet to do it is exactly what this moment calls for. We want every child in the Capital Region to have a safe and enjoyable summer, and Harding Mazzotti is proud to do its part,” said Paul Harding, Managing Partner, Harding Mazzotti, LLP.

“At the Capital District YMCA, helping young people stay active while keeping them safe is at the heart of everything we do," said David Brown, President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA. “That's why we look forward to partnering with Senator Tedisco's Office each year for the Safe Summer Bike Helmet Program. It's a partnership that makes a real difference, and we're proud to help ensure more children have the equipment they need to ride safely and confidently all summer long.”

“Clifton Park is proud to participate in Senator Tedisco’s program to highlight the importance of bike safety in our community,” said Phil Barrett, Clifton Park Town Supervisor and Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. “Town Security Officers will be presenting children with certificates for ice cream or helmets to promote safety and positive relationships with public safety personnel.”

Participating police departments that will distribute free ice cream coupons and bike helmets to kids include: Saratoga County Sheriff, Schenectady County Sheriff, Ballston Spa Police, Clifton Park Town Security, Mechanicville Police, Niskayuna Police, City of Rensselaer Police, Saratoga Springs Police, City of Schenectady Police, South Glens Falls Police, Stillwater Police, and Waterford Police. Coupons also will be distributed to the Southern Saratoga YMCA.