Police offer free ice cream for kids biking with helmets

BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police are offering a sweet incentive for kids in Berlin to play it safe this summer. They're on the lookout for kids riding their bikes wearing a key piece of protective equipment and in this case, kids will want to get pulled over by police.

A trip to get a treat on a hot summer day turned out to be a cool experience for a group of bikers in Berlin.

If police officers see you wearing a helmet, they get a ticket for a free ice cream at Praline's.

Police in Berlin will pull kids over if they're pedaling with a helmet.

"That's pretty cool," said Cole Wendehack. "It would make kids wear helmets more often so they don't get hurt."

In this case, the boys were already at Praline's. Three out of the four got a signed ticket from Officer Bartolomeo.

"Next time you have your helmet on, you'll get a coupon too," said Bartolomeo.

And his explanation to the officer.

"I just forgot mine at home and felt I didn't need it," said Dominic Lattaraullo.

"We're noticing the kids aren't wearing their helmets as much as we liked them to be," said Barolomeo, "so we thought of this as a little push, a little incentive."

The owner of Praline's was all for the summer long plan starting Thursday. Ironically, officers were called to the same plaza for a bike accident earlier.

"A kid on a bike who got hit by a car and didn't have a helmet on," Bartolomeo said.

"Is he going to be okay," asked News 8's Erin Logan.

"He's going to be fine," said Bartolomeo. "Minor injuries."

"So, you think Dominic learned his lesson," Logan asked.

"Well, you feel bad for him, but you've got to learn some how," said Bartolomeo.

It looks like Dominic has some good friends who felt bad for him and bought him an ice cream.

"Dominic, what would you say to them," asked Logan.

"I'd like to say thank you because it's good ice cream and next time I will wear my helmet because I feel safer," Dominic said.