Summertime in the Valley just got a little bit sweeter.
On July 24, the Snoqualmie Police Department, in partnership with the Snoqualmie Fire Department and Eastside Fire and Rescue, launched a program to reward local kids for responsible bike riding and scootering.
Police officers and firefighters will hand out Safe Rider Citation coupons for one free scoop of ice cream at Snoqualmie Ice Cream — 8125 Falls Ave. SE — or Friends & Co. Ice Cream — 111 W. North Bend Way — to those wearing helmets with securely fastened chin straps from now through Aug. 31.
“We’ve had several excited kids come in already, so it’s definitely working,” said Snoqualmie Ice Cream co-owner Heather Dean. “Kids are a huge part of why we do what we do, and we want them to be safe. If we can partner with law enforcement to do something positive, we want to do our part.”
First proposed by the police department in June, “the Safe Rider Citation program reflects a collaborative effort to enhance safety measures and foster positive interactions between law enforcement and the community,” wrote Police Chief Brian Lynch. “By bringing this program to our cities, we are taking a proactive step toward ensuring a safer environment for all residents and visitors.”
By recognizing and encouraging safe riding behaviors, the police department hopes to create a positive environment where Valley youth feel comfortable engaging with law enforcement outside emergencies. Lynch wrote that this is a vital step toward ensuring the community feels safe and supported and fits with the department’s commitment to community-oriented policing.
An already present partnership between the local police, fire and Eastside Fire and Rescue departments made the collaboration on this new program “effortless,” Lynch wrote.
“The local ice cream shops in Snoqualmie and North Bend have joined in as popular family destinations, reinforcing the sense of community and making the program even more engaging for residents, particularly youth,” Lynch wrote. “Together, we are showing that despite city boundaries, we operate as one unified community.”
Kids are encouraged to practice safe riding and to watch out for officers who may reward them with a free scoop.
