Lombard police launch Kids Summer Safety Challenge to promote safe riding habits

This summer, the Lombard Police Department is launching the Kids Summer Safety Challenge, a new initiative to encourage children in the community to practice safe habits while riding bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled devices.

In partnership with the Lombard Dairy Queen, the program rewards kids who make safe choices with a custom wooden challenge coin, redeemable for a free mini-Blizzard at the Dairy Queen located at 205 S. Main St.

Officers will be on the lookout for young riders who are wearing helmets and following basic safety rules. When they see a child riding responsibly, they may hand out a Kids Summer Safety Challenge coin as a fun reward for those smart decisions. The program will run through the end of summer or while supplies last.

“Programs like this help us connect with kids and reinforce simple habits that make a big difference in staying safe,” said Police Chief Joe Grage. “It’s about encouraging good decisions at an early age and building a culture of safety in our community.”

The Kids Summer Safety Challenge encourages children to:

• Wear a properly fitting helmet

• Look both ways before crossing intersections

• Use hand signals when turning

• Walk their wheels in crowded areas, including downtown Lombard

• Ride in a safe, alert and respectful manner

The Lombard Police Department thanks the Lombard Dairy Queen for partnering in this effort to promote safety and reward kids for doing the right thing.

As a reminder, riders of e-scooters must be 18 years of age or older, per Illinois state law. For information about local e-bike and e-scooter regulations, as well as the village’s Walk Your Wheels program, visit villageoflombard.org/escooters.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review these safety guidelines with their children to help them ride responsibly and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

For more information, contact the Lombard Police Department at (630) 873-4400 or visit www.villageoflombard.org/summerchallenge.