Wearing A Helmet Is Sweet In Haverford Township

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — Police in Haverford Township are looking to reward local kids for exhibiting proper safety as the 2025-26 school year starts.

Starting Tuesday, officers will be out "catching" kids who are wearing helmets while riding bikes, skateboards, scooters (including electronic scooters), and e-bikes.

When these youngsters are "caught," officers will give them special tickets that can be redeemed for one free cupcake from Sweet Messina’s Bakery at 1217 Darby Road in Havertown.

"This program gives us the chance to highlight positive choices our kids are making," Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola said. "Our number one goal is to keep our kids safe. By rewarding helmet use, we are encouraging safe behavior, building trust with our young residents, and creating positive connections between students and our officers."

"We’re proud to partner with the Police Department on such a creative program," Gabriella Messina, owner of Sweet Messina’s Bakery, said. "If we can use something as simple as a cupcake to reinforce safety and bring smiles to kids’ faces, then we’re doing our job as neighbors, too."

The concept, which was brought forward by a township resident after seeing the success of similar efforts in California, uses encouragement and community partnerships rather than penalties to promote safe riding, police said.

It also aligns with Haverford Township’s broader commitment to safety, according to a news release on the initiative.

In August, the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance requiring helmets for riders under the age of 16 for e-scooters and e-bikes.

Under the proposed ordinance, which had its first reading Monday, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding an e-bicycle or e-scooter. This also applies to anyone operating the e-bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.

The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading on Sept. 8 and will go into effect 10 days after the board passes it.

A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for September 8, 2025. If passed, the law will go into effect ten days later.

Haverford Police encourage all parents and caregivers to talk with their children about helmet safety and to set a good example by wearing helmets themselves.

Contact the Haverford Township Police Department at 610-853-1298 for more information about the helmet program.