Once again this summer, the Old Lyme Town Police will be issuing “reverse citations” throughout the remainder of the summer. The police are teaming up with Maegan and Tricia Moriarty of Old Lyme, two teenagers who conducted a survey of youths wearing bicycle helmets in the Sound View area of Old Lyme in 2012.
Their research found that only 25% of youth were wearing helmets while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards. After the reverse citations were given out, helmet use increased to between 31-37%. The higher percentage was at the end of the summer.
The “reverse citation” is a voucher, coupon or token (for free ice cream or slushy, etc.) that the Old Lyme Town Police will give out to youth that are wearing helmets while riding bicycles, scooters, or skateboards. Connecticut Law requires that youth under the age of 16 wear a protective helmet while riding bicycles.
It is hoped that the issuing of the “reverse citation” ice cream vouchers will continue to promote and increase the number of youth wearing a protective helmet while riding skateboards, scooters, and bicycles while on vacation and at home.
The following local business are participating and donating to this endeavor: Garvin’s Store at Hawksnest Beach, The Carousel Shop, Waffle Bar at Sound View and the Old Lyme Police Union.