Olds RCMP are leading a positive ticketing campaign this summer in hopes of encouraging young cyclists to wear their helmets.
The detachment is partnering with Ridley's Cycle in Okotoks and Calgary, and the local Dairy Queen for the initiative, that would see youth who are biking with their helmets on issued a ticket by an officer.
Tickets can be redeemed for a free small ice cream cone. They can also be entered in a draw for a bicycle donated by Ridley's Cycle, to take place on Aug. 19 at DQ.
So far, a few tickets have been handed out, said the RCMP's Cpl. Shawn Morgan.
"You can play with it a little bit. They're a little bit surprised. The belief out there is you may be getting in trouble. We build some decent relationships in schools when we're doing the bike rodeos and wanted to build upon that," Morgan said. "It's not too often people get rewarded for doing a good thing."
In Alberta, cyclists are required to wear a helmet until they are 18 years old, though police encourage riders of all ages to wear one.
RCMP are also reminding drivers and cyclists to share the road, now that more people are travelling on two wheels in the summer months.
Last month, RCMP members and the detachment's mountain bike unit held bike rodeos for local Grade 4 students, focused on properly wearing and adjusting helmets as well as handling their bikes.
The mountain bike unit is not just effective for patrolling paths and trails, but also community engagement, Morgan said.
Most people have ridden a bike, so that's something the public has in common with police. As well, people stop and ask questions about officers' gear.
"You can refer to it as the soft-hat approach. You don't traditionally see an officer in shorts and a mountain bike. We find we're a little more approachable, not only for youth engagement but adults as well. We're less intimidating, we're not behind the wheel of a police car with the windows up and the air conditioning on."
