Dear Esteemed City Council Members and Senior Staff,
In an effort to be kind, empathetic and enthusiastic with our youth, I'd like to suggest that Menlo Park police cars carry bike helmets. So that when they encounter youth who are riding without helmets they can provide a solution in addition to an admonishment. This also provides equal enforcement of the law - helmets are required- whether or not the youth has a helmet in their possession.
All of our youth are very vulnerable coming out of the pandemic. Mental health issues from missed socialization and human interaction during the past two years are equally as serious as the physical effects of COVID-19, and for our youth they are worse.
This simple solution or one like it could both encourage youth agency and empowerment as well as promote a better relationship with law enforcement.
Sincerely,
Julie Shanson
Menlo Park resident since 2002
