Through a Minnesota Sheriff's Association program, Cook County officers will be looking for kids practicing safe biking, walking, and rolling techniques while out patrolling. If a kid gets “caught”, they may get a voucher for a treat from Dairy Queen. 

Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliason told Boreal Community Media that the program will last as long as they have vouchers to give to kids who meet the safety criteria. 

The purpose of the program is simple: the encourage and reward kids to participate in healthy activities in a safe manner. This includes wearing a helmet properly, using a crosswalk correctly, using hand signals while biking or rolling, and more. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “The daily recommendation for physical activity for children 6 years and older is at least 60 minutes per day (which only 1 in 4 kids achieve daily). Participation in all types of physical activity drops dramatically as a child's age and grade in school increase.”

It’s not enough to be active; it's important to do these activities in a safe manner. Sheriff Eliason states, “Even the softest crash can do significant damage, especially when your head contacts a hard surface such as asphalt, or concrete.”

Wearing a helmet when you’re biking or rolling “Can be the difference between going home or going to the ER,” he added.

Image: BikeMN & MnDOT Safe Route to Schools

The Minnesota Department of Transportation Safe Routes to Schools program offers these safety tips for biking, rolling, and walking safely: 

WALKING

• Children should always walk with an adult, other students, or a buddy.

• Cross at corners or marked crosswalks. This is where drivers expect you.

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street or driveway. Look over your shoulder for turning cars, especially at intersections. 

• Don’t assume that drivers see you. Make eye contact before you cross the street. 

• Use a sidewalk when available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic. 

Image: BikeMN, MnDOT Safe Routes to School

BICYCLING 

• Wear a helmet, every time. Helmets should fit snugly and level on your head and should always be buckled firmly under your chin. 

• Ride on the right, in the direction of traffic. Follow all signs and signals. 

• On paths, pass walkers carefully. Ring your bell or call “on your left” before passing. 

• When biking on the street, watch for opening car doors and cars turning across your path. 

• Don’t assume drivers see you, especially when entering or crossing a street. Make eye contact and signal before you go, even if it is your turn.

Sheriff Eliason summed up similar safety tips including: “Wear a helmet, don’t dart in and out of a traffic lane, stop and look both ways before crossing traffic lanes, stop at all intersections, don’t assume a motorist can see you or knows you’re there.”

By practicing these safety behaviors, kids will not only develop good habits that will last a lifetime, but they may also be lucky enough to earn a trip to Dairy Queen.

If you’re interested in learning more about walking, biking, and rolling safely, you can click on the PDF below which has tips and resources.