Snoqualmie Valley first responders are rolling out a pair of youth bicycle safety programs this summer: one rewarding kids for wearing helmets with free ice cream, and another teaching riding skills at a free, hands-on event in July.
The Snoqualmie Police Department, in partnership with North Bend Police, the Snoqualmie Fire Department, and Eastside Fire & Rescue, has brought back the popular Safe Rider Citation Program. Local youth spotted wearing a properly fitted helmet while riding their bike or scooter may be rewarded with a coupon good for a free scoop of ice cream.
Sponsored by Snoqualmie Ice Cream and Friends & Co. Ice Cream in North Bend, the program runs through August 25, 2026. Officers and firefighters will be handing out Safe Rider Citation coupons redeemable at either location. In both Snoqualmie and North Bend, helmets are required by city ordinance when riding a bike or scooter, and the program is a fun way for first responders to recognize kids who are already doing the right thing.
“I started the Safe Rider Citation Program two years ago with our partners at Snoqualmie Ice Cream and Friends & Co. Ice Cream,” said Interim Chief Gary Horejsi. “I am pleased to announce the program is back. In partnership, the Snoqualmie Valley first responders, including Snoqualmie Police, North Bend Police, Snoqualmie Fire, and Eastside Fire, will be helping promote bicycle and scooter safety for our youth who wear helmets while riding, with a free scoop of ice cream.”
Parents can help by making helmet use a part of every ride and reinforcing the habit at home before kids head out the door. Kids can keep an eye out for officers and firefighters who just might hand them a citation worth celebrating.
Young riders can also put those helmets to use at the Snoqualmie Bike Rodeo, hosted by the Snoqualmie Police Department on Friday, July 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cascade View Elementary, 34816 SE Ridge St., Snoqualmie. The event is free and open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade.
The Bike Rodeo is a hands-on safety and skills event where children ride through age-appropriate obstacle courses while learning proper technique, bike control, and traffic safety. Officers will guide kids through a series of stations designed to build confidence on two wheels, such as braking and navigating obstacles.
Officers will conduct on-site helmet inspections, and MTBHQ will provide free bicycle safety inspections, checking brakes, tires, and other critical components to ensure every bike is road-ready before participants hit the course. The event is sponsored by the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, Chinook Lumber, MTBHQ, Safeway, and Washington Awards.
Registration and signed waivers are required prior to the event, and families should reference the city’s website for bicycle equipment requirements and start times. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to sign up early at www.snoqualmiewa.gov/bikerodeo.
Between free scoops for smart choices and a course full of skills practice, Snoqualmie Valley kids have plenty of reasons to buckle those chin straps this summer.
[Information and images provided by the City of Snoqualmie]
