Bike Helmet Rewards

The Horseheads Police Department has initiated a bicycle safety program geared towards rewarding the youth in the community for properly wearing their helmets while biking or skating.

Officers on patrol in the Village will be distributing coupons to any youth that is properly wearing a bicycle helmet. Friendly’s Restaurant has generously donated 200 free “kids meal” coupons to be distributed with more being available.

The Horseheads Police Department would like to remind parents and children that if you are under 14 years of age, you need to wear a helmet while riding your bicycle or skating. The Horseheads Police Department in partnership with the Chemung County Traffic Safety Board have available “free” helmets to be given away after the completion of a bicycle safety course. The Horseheads Police Department encourages you to ride safely and obey the rules of the road.

School Bus Safety

Here are some safety tips for kids who ride the bus:

Biking to School

Back to School - “Zero Tolerance” Initiative

• They should memorize your work number.

School Bus Safety

• Leave home early enough to arrive at your bus stop on time.
• Wait for the bus in a safe place – well off the roadway.
• Follow the instructions of your school bus driver or bus patrol.
• Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion.
• Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.
• Remain quiet and orderly.
• Be alert to traffic when leaving the bus.

• Children should never walk behind the school bus.
• Parents should monitor the bus stop for young children.
• Choose the best route. Parents should explore alternate routes to school with their child before school starts.
• Teach crossing skills. Children should cross at intersections only. They should be advised to never take shortcuts by crossing at mid block.

Biking to School

• Generally speaking, children should not ride in the street before age 10. Before that, bike riding to school should be only on the sidewalk or bike path.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets are a must as they can reduce head injuries by as much as 80%. Helmets should fit well and be worn horizontally across the head, not pushed back. The chin strap should be sufficiently snug that your child should feel the helmet press down on the top of her head when she yawns.

Child Safety Tips

• Always use the BUDDY SYSTEM when walking to and from school. It’s safer and more fund to be with your friends. Walk in well lit areas and never take shortcuts.
• Stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. If anyone bothers you while going to or from school, say No, then go, and tell a trusted adult like your parents or teacher.

• Never leave school with someone you do not know. Always check first with a trusted adult like your parents or teacher. If someone you do not know tells you that there is an emergency, and they want you to go with them, always check first before you do anything. *Make sure you tell a trusted adult if you notice someone you don’t know hanging around the school.

Tips for Parents

• Teach children how to spot trouble and be alert for strangers.
• Friendly strangers can be dangerous strangers. Teach young children when a stranger is: anyone they do not know well.
• Teach your children to walk confidently and stay alert to their surroundings.
• Encourage your children to look out for other kids safety and report anything they see that does not seem right.
• Teach your children to write down and report to you the license numbers of people who offer rides, loiter around playgrounds, or appear to follow them or other children.

Here are some additional safety tips for kids who ride the bus:

Back to School - “Zero Tolerance” Initiative

Starting Wednesday, September 6th, Horseheads Police will be instituting a Zero Tolerance Initiative for school speed zone enforcement. Police Chief David Kole issued a press release to the media advising of this plan in an effort to warn drivers of the new enforcement program. Beginning on the first day of school, all school speed limit zones of 15mph will be strictly enforced on school days between 7:00am to 6:00 p.m. Please be extra cautious and alert for children running to and from school busses, and also standing at bus stops. Remember that passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is a NYS traffic violation, and brings with it a hefty fine. Lets keep our children safe this school year. Full Press Release