School-aged kids in Madison who buckle their bike helmets and follow traffic rules could get pulled over this summer for a good reason: free ice cream.
The Madison Police Department is running a bicycle safety program through the summer of 2026, with officers patrolling town looking for young riders making safe choices. Kids spotted wearing helmets and obeying traffic laws may receive a coupon for a free junior soft serve with one topping at McCool's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, the borough announced on social media Monday, July 20.
The returning program uses positive reinforcement rather than citations to build safe cycling habits among children.
The law behind the lids
New Jersey law (NJSA 39:4-10.1) requires anyone under 17 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. According to the New Jersey Head Injury Association, 40 percent of all bike deaths involve children 14 and under, and helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.
Safety tips from Madison Police
The department is reminding all young cyclists to:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride
- Obey traffic laws
- Stay alert
- Be visible to motorists
The Borough of Madison said on its official X account that officers "are on the lookout for school-aged children wearing bicycle helmets," and that riders making safe choices could earn the McCool's coupon.
Parents can remind kids that a helmet isn't just the law for riders under 17. It could also mean a free trip to McCool's.
The program runs through the summer. Residents with questions can contact the Madison Police Department at 973-593-3000.
