This spring and summer, when Plymouth firefighters or police officers spot cyclists or skaters wearing a bike or multi-sport helmet, they might pull them over and reward them with a certificate for a free treat at one of several local businesses.

Participating businesses include: Cub Foods (3550 Vicksburg Lane N.), Cold Stone Creamery (3505 Vicksburg Lane), Culver’s (4335 Peony Lane N.), McDonald’s (2705 Annapolis Circle N.), Dairy Queen (4000 Annapolis Lane N.), Burger King (14430 28th Place N.), Plymouth Station Holiday (16825 County Road 24) or Pump it Up (3500 Holly Lane N.).

Bicycle crashes are the leading cause of summer visits to the emergency room. More than 400,000 children age 14 and younger are injured each year. Approximately 300 children die from injuries sustained in bicycle crashes.

Eighty-five percent of all bicycling head injuries could have been prevented with the use of a helmet. Bike crashes can happen at any time and bicyclists sustain a head injury in three out of four bike crashes.

Each summer, the Plymouth Public Safety Department partners with North Memorial Hospital to sell discounted Bell bike helmets on the first and third Thursday of the month. This year’s annual bike helmet sales begin May 7. Sales are held from 6-8 p.m. at Fire Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Lane N. Helmets range in size from toddler to adult extra large and come in many styles and colors. Traditional bike helmets are $14 and multi-sport helmets are $17.