The Dublin Police Department is taking summer safety on the road! Officers are popping into parks and onto shared use paths with two new community-focused initiatives designed to connect with kids and families while encouraging safe choices.
The department recently launched Cool Treats with Dublin Police and Cool Choices. Cool Rewards. These two initiatives pair friendly officer interactions with important safety reminders, supporting the City’s broader Ride Smart. Ride Safe. campaign, which helps residents understand updated rules and guidelines for e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles and other mobility devices.
“Summer is one of the best times to connect with kids and families where they are — in parks, on bikes, on scooters and along our shared use paths,” said Deputy Chief Nick Tabernik. “These initiatives give our officers another opportunity to build positive relationships while helping residents understand how to move around Dublin safely and responsibly.”
Through Cool Treats with Dublin Police, officers pop up at local parks with freeze pops or other sweet treats, giving families, kids, parents and caregivers an easy opportunity to interact with officers and have casual conversations in a neighborhood setting. They also bring activities, games and other entertainment. At each of the first two events, our officers interacted with 150+ kids and families.
Through Cool Choices. Cool Rewards., officers recognize residents making smart safety choices, such as wearing a helmet, buckling up or riding responsibly. Those “caught” making cool choices may receive a coupon for a free scoop from Johnson’s Real Ice Cream on Bridge Street in Dublin.
As part of the summer outreach effort, officers will also spend time on shared use paths to provide education and answer questions about safe riding behavior, path etiquette and updated rules.
“This initiative is centered around education. Our goal is to make safety simple, approachable and easy to understand,” says Tabernik. “Whether you live, work or visit Dublin, we want everyone to feel confident sharing our streets, sidewalks and shared use paths.”
Key reminders of the City’s Ride Smart. Ride Safe. initiative:
- Helmets are required for anyone under 16, and anyone on a Class 3 e-bike
- Stay right, pass left and audibly signal when passing
- Know where your device is allowed before you ride
- Ride at a courteous speed
- Be respectful of others sharing the streets, sidewalks and paths
- Parents/Guardians who knowingly allow their children to break the rules are subject to the same penalties as the rider
- PROHIBITED: Mini motorcycles/dirt bikes are not permitted in public spaces in Dublin
Dublin has 150+ miles of shared use path paths, connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, workplaces and destinations throughout the community.
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Media Contact:
Robyn Gray
Senior Public Information Officer
614.562.6765 – Cell
Email address: rgray@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
