NPD encouraging bicyclist safety with ‘Soft Cone for a Hard Head’ campaign

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

With summer in full swing, the Newton Police Department is reminding motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to be mindful of each other and to pay special attention to the appropriate traffic laws by presenting its “Soft Cone for a Hard Head” campaign.

Coupled with the interest in physical fitness and a desire to enjoy the nice weather, more and more bicyclists and pedestrians have been seen throughout the city. Since July 2008, the city of Newton has experienced six motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and six involving bicycles.

In an effort to highlight bicycle safety and helmet use, the Newton Police Department will be promoting the “Soft Cone for a Hard Head” program, beginning today and continuing through Aug. 31. Students in kindergarten through 12th grades who are observed wearing a bicycle helmet may be awarded a coupon entitling them to a free soft serve ice cream cone from one of the businesses participating in the campaign, which include Cardinal Corner, Culver’s of Newton, Dairy Queen and McDonald’s.

The Newton Police department reminds pedestrians to cross streets at the crosswalks or at intersections and to walk facing traffic as close to the curb as possible if sidewalks are unavailable. When walking at night, wear light colored clothing and carry a flashlight to illuminate the walkway. In addition to wearing a light colored helmet, bicyclists also are encouraged to wear light colored clothing while riding at night and to always have the proper headlight and rear light and reflector for visibility for themselves and for passing vehicles. Adding a reflective stripe to clothing or helmet increases the bicyclist’s visibility even more. Headlights and rear lights/reflectors are required to be seen for a distance of 300 feet to the front and rear while riding. Bicyclists must stop at all stop signs and use hand signals when turning.