Sen. Tedisco Sheriff Zurlo, County Clerk Hayner, Supervisor Ostrander & Mayor Rossi Kick-off Safe Summer Program for Kids to Wear Bike Helmets

Ballston Spa -- Exercise safely this summer and get free ice cream to beat the heat. That’s the goal of the innovative Safe Summer Bike Helmet program founded by Senator Jim Tedisco which kicked off today for its 24^th year. 

Senator Tedisco joined with Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Saratoga County Clerk and owner of Hayner’s Ice Cream Hall of Fame Craig Hayner, Milton Town Supervisor Scott Ostrander and Ballston Spa May Frank Rossi, Jr., to lead the Milton 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 24 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 Hall of Fame in Halfmoon, Ben & Jerry’s, and Friendly’s.  The law firm of Martin, Harding and Mazzotti LLP is donating hundreds of new bike helmets to police departments in Saratoga, Schenectady, Fulton, Hamilton and Herkimer Counties to distribute to children who need them.  

“It’s summer time and for many children that means enjoying two things: ice cream and bike riding. We want to encourage children, as well as adults, to be safe when they recreate and I can’t think of a better way to do that than by offering kids a free ice cream cone for doing the right thing and wearing a bike helmet. My Safe Summer Program is a true community partnership among businesses, law enforcement, government and parents and it’s a model for how caring people can come together and promote a fun and safe environment for children. Coupling free ice cream, free helmets and education with law enforcement is a formula that works to keep kids safe. Safe Summer also provides positive interactions between law enforcement and kids, which is something that we need now, more than ever,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

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. According to the New York State Department of Health, bicycle-related incidents are the number one cause of head injuries in children in New York State. The cost of a bicycle helmet is about $20.00. The average charge for a hospital stay due to a bicycle related brain injury is $23,000 with an average length of stay of four days. In New York, annual hospitalization charges related to care for persons with a bike related brain injury is $20 million.

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 priority number one. The Safe Summer Bike Helmet Program allows us to pass on simple, yet effective ways to teach kids how to safely handle their bicycles, scooters and skateboards in a fun atmosphere. I want to thank Senator Tedisco for his leadership in offering this program to help protect our kids each and every year,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo.

 “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 Hall of Fame in Halfmoon, NY. 

“It’s been a privilege being a part of Senator Tedisco’s bicycle helmet safety campaign for the past 24 years. Always remember to look out for each other, lights on to be seen and be safe. Don’t learn by accident. Always wear a helmet and be safe,” said Milton Town Supervisor Scott Ostrander.

“The Village of Ballston Spa has been discussing street safety issues over the last month, and the timing of Senator Tedisco’s Bike Helmet Program is a perfect reminder to help keep our residents, both young and old, safe this season,” said Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi, Jr.

“We look forward to this event each year and fully support this important safety initiative. Bike safety is important for people of all ages, especially children. If Stewart’s ice cream can encourage kids to bike safely, we think that’s pretty sweet!” said Erica Komoroske, Stewart’s Shops Director of Public Affairs.

“Martin Harding & Mazzotti is thrilled to continue our partnership with Senator Tedisco and his Safe Summer program. For year’s now this program has helped raise awareness about bicycle safety in our communities in a fun and effective manner. Providing helmets for children who need them and helping promote positive interactions between civilians and law enforcement, plays an important role in protecting and strengthening our communities.  Summer is a wonderful time of year, we hope that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it to the fullest and if Martin, Harding & Mazzotti can play a small role in that, we’re honored to do it,” said Daniel Dagostino, Supervising Attorney.

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