This summer, Holly Springs police are giving out the hottest “tickets” in town for children hoping to cool off. It’s all part of Operation Freeze, which involves police officers patrolling neighborhoods and issuing “citations” to young bicyclists who are riding safely. These citations are ones the cyclists will want to receive as they lead to free sweet treats like ice cream or gelato at local restaurants!
“We want to actively encourage young cyclists to bicycle safely,” said Holly Springs Police Sergeant Tom Brienzi, who heads up the Town’s school resource officer program. “That means wearing helmets, stopping at crosswalks, and obeying traffic signals and signs.”
Brienzi noted that summer days are popular for bicyclists to enjoy rides around town neighborhoods. While he encouraged drivers to be mindful of young cyclists who may not obey the rules of the road, Operation Freeze focuses on giving positive reinforcement to children who are being safe.
“Parents, please talk to your children and teens about bike safety,” Brienzi said. “Young cyclists may be easily distracted, may bicycle erratically, or may assume drivers see them and will yield for them, but that’s not always the case. We want everyone to be safe.”
Safety tips for cyclists include:
Yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and be extra careful at intersections.
Wear a properly fitted helmet and clothing that is easily visible when riding near sunset or at night.
Follow the same rules as motorists. Bicyclists should stop at all stop signs, just as vehicles do. This helps prevent accidents and maintains smooth traffic flow.
Use hand signals to indicate you are turning or changing lanes. This helps other road users and drivers anticipate what the cyclist will do.
Brienzi thanked Chick-fil-A, JT’s Creamery, Mama Bird’s Ice Cream, Manhattan Pizza, and McDonald’s for donating coupons for the police to distribute as part of Operation Freeze.
