Manville police are issuing tickets
for free ice cream cones to youngsters
‘caught’ wearing their helmets.
By: Eileen Oldfield
Manville kids will have a chance to reap sweet rewards for staying safe when they’re biking, skateboarding or roller blading this summer, since the Manville police will be issuing tickets for free ice cream cones to youngsters "caught" wearing their helmets.
The award-winning program, designed by the police, the Policeman’s Benevolent Association and L.J.’s Boardwalk Ice Cream last year, started Monday.
The program helps enforce the state’s helmet law, which requires anyone under age 17 to wear a helmet when biking, skate boarding or roller blading.
"Last year, prior to the program starting, there were a lot more children without helmets," said Chief Mark Peltack. "After the program started, there were more kids wearing helmets."
Like last year, any bikers, skateboarders or roller bladers who are under 17 and aren’t wearing helmets will receive a summonses from the police. For the first helmet offense a parent or guardian can be fined up to $25, and for a second offense, a parent or guardian can be fined up to $100.
The program, which Chief Peltack said was successful last year, isn’t just popular locally. In May, the department received an award for the program from the state’s Department of Highway Safety. The challenge was part of a national program aimed to increase seat belt use, reduce speeding and reduce alcohol-related crashes.
"We wanted to make everyone aware that we will be out there handing out tickets, for not wearing a helmet, or a free ice cream," said Chief Peltack.
The program will run until the police are out of free ice cream tickets.

