Bike Cops for Kids

2010-07-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

2010-07-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Northside week #5

2010-07-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

2010-06-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

This cute little girl received a helmet when she met us at North Memorial Hospital as we met with our helmet supplier.
These kids were very happy to find the Bike Cops biking by.
This great group of kids were all our playing in their yards and all received a helmet.
This little girl "Heaven" is the second bike winner of 2010, she also got her picture in the Star Tribune with the Bike Cops.

Heaven and her proud father.

2010-06-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Front tire was already flat, Officer Mike didn't do that.
Officer Mark participating in a day of training.
Star Tribune reporter Rochelle Olson and some lucky helmet winners.
We took a moment to cool off in the pool with some little swimmers.

We met a great family on the porch after we connected with the kids.

2010-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Officer Mark reliving his youth
A group shot of some great kids who helped us with our Star Tribune interview. The cutest kid in Minneapolis

The parents of these four little ones told us that the girls will wear theis helmets all the time.

2010-06-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

We biked to City Hall, up the stairs, into the Mayors Office, only to have him doze off when we were briefing him.
A beautiful shot of the downtown skyline on a rainy day.

2010-06-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Four Bike Cops all together in a rare photo.
We found these kids at a park in North Minneapolis.

These young boxers are from the Circle of Discipline Gym in South Minneapolis; here they are participating in the PAL fitness challenge at Cityview school.

We met with Minneapolis City Council member Barb Johnson to update her on the bike project.

We're rolling!

2010-06-29T18:59:00.003-07:00

Jason was found wearing his helmet the day after we gave it to him; he is the first bike winner of 2010; and what a great young man he is, a future Minneapolis Police Officer.
This mom has 5 kids that go to my school; Hmong International Academy.

2010-06-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Officer Mark and Mike worked the "Rock the Garden" concert and promoted the "Bike Cops for Kids" initiative.

We found this Bike Cops supporter hiding on the roof of a building trying to sneak a peek at the concert.

2010-06-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays from Bike Cops for Kids

2009-12-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Musical compilation of the Summer of '09

2009-11-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting our blog. The video below is a montage of some of the great experiences the 2009 Bike Cops for Kids had with kids in the Northside Achievement Zone. We are preparing for 2010 and can't wait to start rolling on our bikes to reconnect with our new friends.

We can be reached at michael.kirchen@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or mark.klukow@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Summer connections in North Minneapolis

2009-11-08T16:42:00.001-08:00

Harvest Fest

2009-10-10T14:48:00.001-07:00

Harvest Fest is a community festival with the business community in North Mpls. Officer Mike was preparing for it when, "a pipe in the attic of Lucy Laney leaned into his head and cut him".

Emergency Room material?

After the good Doctors glued his head back together, the Bike Cops for Kids got rolling and connected with the brave kids who came out to the Harvest Fest at Lowry and Penn.

Some old friends were reconnected with...

And some new friends were made.

It was about 36 degrees and windy, but we stayed warm with good gear.

A Lucy Laney kids happy to spend some Saturday time with his favorite school cop.

Lucy Laney kids and Officer Mike.

These 3 ladies refused to let Officer Mike connect with kids and Officer Mark had to cover twice as much ground.

Officer Mark and this young man spent a moment in the cold before seeking some shelter inside the Subway.

Officer Mike and this little girl are the exact opposite in the hairstyle department. Plus, she has never had to have her head glued back together.
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Donation from the neighbors of Jordan

2009-08-31T02:21:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to all the folks who contributed to the school supply drive that Megan did for the Bike Cops for Kids. The first week of school went well and the kids at Lucy Laney were better prepared thanks to you.

Here we come and there we go.

2009-08-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Video compliments of Connie Boekers and Anna Lee. Bye for now, but we'll be back much sooner than you know. Keep checking in and spread the word to others about the blog.

Bike Cops for Kids refuse to be washed out all week.

2009-08-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Officer Mark has some ups.

Officer Mike is "Loving It".

Mary Ellis Paterson met with us over coffee while we waited out the morning rain.

Some more excited fans for tonight's football game in Minneapolis.

A couple of young ladies yelled "Officer Mike" as we were biking down Broadway, a routine occurrence. So we stopped and they all showed how tough they looked.

Oops, I guess Officer Mark just "wants to be like Mike" after all.

Breakfast at the Mpls Club with some friends, who also happen to be the U.S. Ambassadors to Morocco. Sylvia and Sam Kaplan.

The last 4 bikes were given away today!

2009-08-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

That's Officer Keia Pettis in the middle of the Bike Cops for Kids with the 4 girls who won our last 4 bikes. Left to right, the girls are Michaela, Jamirra, Jennifer and Nina.

Officer Klukow found a fellow Viking Fan on the day the Vikings Superbowl chances improved significantly.

Officers Kirchen and Pettis worked on braiding Michaela's handle-bar pom poms.

This little dog was very mad at the Bike Cops for Kids because they walked near his owner. This picture didn't change his feelings.

Boxed

2009-08-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

This little girl beat up Officer Mark at a PEACE Foundation block party in Farview Park on Friday night. Open Door Church from Maple Grove threw a great event. A side note on this 6 year old in the video. She lost a baby tooth and tried to keep it nice for the tooth fairy. Somehow, it got lost and she came to me sobbing. I wrote a note to the tooth fairy explaining the situation and told her the tooth fairy would come through. She smiled and gave me a hug and then told me, "You smell like the police" with a disgusted look on her face.

Heat can't stop the Bike Cops for Kids

2009-08-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Officer Mike showing his strength at the start of the day outside the MPD S.O.C.

A stop at the #1 coffee shop in Minneapolis for some carbs and Broadway presence.

Officer Mike misunderstood the globe on this barber shop's sign. They set him straight inside and he came out dejected.

The Bike Cops for Kids ran out of helmets and funding, so after a generous donation from the Kirchen/Klukow Foundation they filled the bike trailer up with $56 in school supplies and modified their mission. School starts in 15 days!

Leila Erlandson, the Executive Director of Person to Person, a non-profit that addresses poverty's impact and the affect on children, came on a bike-along and had some fun with the kids on the street and the Bike Cops for Kids.

Officer Mike with a little school goer and her doll.

Officer Mark met the father of these guys in the Principal's office of North High about 13 years ago. William is the father's name and he is doing his best with these fine young people. They each picked out some school supplies an connected with the Bike Cops.

We stumbled upon these 2 little entrepreneurs and their lemonade/candy/pickle stand and haggled for a deal.

School supplies with the stand operators after we made the deal for pickles and juice.

We couldn't resist this pool in Folwell Park around 2:30 PM. The heat of the day had tapped us.

The Bike Cops for Kids got a little police action while on routine patrol, while a stranger happened to be filming them, on a corner they seldom travel, with someone who is very familiar to Officer Mark and that someones son Jordan.

Jonathan's bike and Jordan

2009-08-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

The Bike Cops for Kids had the honor to spend a little time with the best bus boy in Minneapolis during lunch - Jordan Curry.

The day started a little rough with the changing of the rear flat on Officer Mark's bike.

Here's a picture of Jonathan from Officer Steph's facebook page. Good idea Steph.

This is how Officer Mike rode for about 2 miles so we could get Jonathan his new bike. See the below video for a short story on Jonathan's situation.

Fun stuff

2009-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Up,

And AWAY!

And here's Officer Mike making sure Officer Mark didn't hog all of his attention on the playground.

This playground at the Special Operations Center is actually Officer Mills territory. Here he is with his kids before they go to the gym for basketball.

Another picture of Victor about to do an "underdog" with this PAL kid.

The heat is back in the summer finally and with that the Bike Cops for kids were able to cool off at the Cleveland Park pool with some neighborhood kids.

Officer Mike delivering a lock for Martrease.

A pick up game of backyard wiffle-ball with some kids. Officer Mark went 3 for 5 which included 2 doubles and a home-run.

Officer Mike talking with a concerned neighbor about crime and some ideas on how to respond.

Officer Mike explaining Target Corp's "Shop with a Cop" program.

Shop w/a cop and other fun stuff

2009-08-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Bike Cops for Kids and Chief Dolan with their assignments during Target's "Shop with a Cop" program early in the morning.

Here's a picture of Officer Mike goofing off during the program briefing next to our supervisor, Sgt Donna Olson, and blog follower, Leah Johnson.

Officer Mark had to straighten him out by setting a good example.

Officer Mark was 7 year old Godwin's cop to shop with. Target gave us $100 to spend on him for school clothes and supplies. He really liked the shopping cart escalator in the Target downtown. We rode it several times.

Liz Holland and Ann Martin were the cops for these fine little school shoppers.

Officer Patrick and Officer Mike before the kids arrived at Target.

Officer Patrick is a traffic officer in Mpls. He and his little guy found the best deals using the Target employee's wisdom.

This is a good picture of some of the 50 cops involved in the shop with a cop program.

This school shopper kept a close eye on Sgt Jesse Garcia, so he didn't get stuck with high-waters or girl notebooks.

Target employee Bree helped Godwin make sure his jeans were the right size.

Here's a picture of Godwin and Officer Mark during their shopping trip.

Officer Mike had 2 little shoppers to buy for.

Jen Walker with the Mpls PD coordinated the cops and the Target program and did a wonderful job.

Somehow, Officer Steph Weibye got paired up with herself - from 25 years ago.

We're not good bike mechanics

2009-08-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

Martrease had a flat tire, 2 broken brake pads and the right hand-grip had been peeled off. Somehow he got us to promise to make it all go away, so we spent the day with him and his buddies. You may recognize his "new bike smile" from the surveillance video a 2 weeks ago.

After 2 trips to the bike shop even the talents of Officer Mike couldn't resolve the main issue.

Martrease knew we were getting hot and thirsty, so he brought our a half a bottle of orange juice for us and never let us quit.

Here's a final picture of the bike back in tip top shape and a reminder to always lock your bike up and never drop it to the ground. We all agreed to use our "angry faces" for the picture.

Folwell Park was a good place to connect with these girls for a while and allow us decompress after the stress of fixing a single kids bike.

Summer rain

2009-08-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

The enthusiasm of these young teenagers is evident in this video. It was pouring rain out.

Rainy days and bike give aways make me smile

2009-08-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Darius didn't care that it was raining. He was waiting for us to arrive with his new Trek bike and here is a shot of Officer Mark giving him his bike lock.

This little girl really liked Officer Mike.

The rain was a bummer, because we were unable to bike with the bike winners, but they didn't care too much.

These 2 girls were waiting to receive a bike and the first thing we saw when we came around the corner in our police van was what you see here.

An expanded view with Officer Mike's big wet face.

Officer Mark eating his breakfast bar on the way to the first address of a bike winner.

Officer Mike is friends with a security officer on Lowry Ave and gave him his old bullet proof vest for safety.

After seeing this photo it looks like Officer Mike is not only mad about something, but that this young bike winner could be his son.

The photo is grainy, but the moment was precious. The oldest of 6 has worn his helmet every single time he bikes and it eventually won him a new bike. Each of his siblings think he hung the moon and the sun, so it's possible this bike's safety impact will go on for years and maybe generations.

Officer Mike in another foyer after we gave a bike to Stephanie. The rain kept us in foyers all day.

Todd explaining how he won a bike to his little sister.

Running around town with WCCO's Heather Brown

2009-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

WCCO's Heather Brown came to the 4th precinct to find the Bike Cops for Kids and this is what she found. 3 veterans street cops full of gristle taking a breather.

Officer Mike with WCCO's Heather Brown biking on Plymouth Ave.

The pegs on this bike held Officer Mike.

In lieu of helmets, we gave out a few footballs and this 2 year old refused to let us stop playing with him.

Officer Mike sizing up an adorable bike rider with her helmet.

Officer Mark doing the same with this tween.

This group of girls all help keep their little brother from getting out of the yard. It takes all of them to do it.

These girls thought Officer Mike was the coolest cop they'd ever seen.

Officer Mark with a young man who has grown up a lot since the last time they saw each other.

These civic minded brothers were cleaning up the boulevard when we saw them. They didn't understand why we were so proud of them and were thankful for the nerf footballs we had for them.

Here's a good picture of Heather Brown between the Bike Cops for Kids. Make sure to check out her blog if you get time. The link is under the video below.

Click here to go straight to Heather's blog: http://cbslocalblogs.prospero.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=wcco_running

Mark getting schooled in jump rope and equipment retention.

2009-08-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

These girls were twirling the rope too fast for Officer Mark

National Night Out videos

2009-08-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

National Night Out

2009-08-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

The end of the night on Hillside Ave with some kids and their sparklers. This is a dangerous job.

Sondra Samuels, president of the PEACE Foundation, a non-profit community outreach organization.

Officer Mike with a couple of kids at St Annes place block event.

The Bike Cops for Kids with assistant county attorneys, Elizabeth Johnston and Sarah Hilleren, who serve the Northside.

This young man was smart enough to have his bike helmet on at one of the block events on 33rd Ave. He won a bike 10 seconds before this picture was taken.

And then his buddy followed us to the next event and waited until we noticed him wearing what we believe was the very same helmet. He won a bike too. We didn't figure out his shenanigans until we reviewed the photos. Smart kid.

These little people built a robot with household stuff and put it on a wagon. They assured me that it didn't actually work, but it was cool nonetheless.

We stopped by a biker hang-out at 26th/Girard and these guys assured us that bicycles are not included in their exclusive club. Officer Mike tried to take this guys chair and learned the hard way how useful Officer Mark is when he's in peril. Good guys.

Each of these kids thought they could beat us in a footrace and were all proven wrong. Lt Arradondo is the sector LT for this block and he welcomed the Bike Cops for Kids at the block party.

Mama Cookie and the Bike Cops for Kids hanging out in her backyard. This woman is the mother of National Night Out in Minneapolis.

Mama Cookie again given us some love.

This girl went to Officer Mike's school and is a survivor of gun violence. Great story.

A group of National Night Out cooks and party throwers at 14th/Irving.

More smiles and hugs for the Bike Cops for Kids from some super ladies who made the night special for their block.

This guy was so excited to see the Bike Cops for Kids that he started screaming. He grabbed his wife and said, "Honey, these are the guys I was telling you about. These guys are the Bike Cops with the helmets!" Such genuine outpouring of love and support at 33rd/Oliver made Officer Mike cry.

This young lady was at the Jerry gambles Boys and Girls Club and thought every cop should be on a bike for National Night Out.

Little people need to sleep in the middle of the day, and these bigger people didn't mind letting them use their laps to get it done. Officer Mike was doing something with a roll of stickers while I was trying to capture the cute little nappers.

This young man wants to be a police officer when he grows up. That's newly married Mario in the back round pushing his hamburger into that other person's ear.

Officer Mike found some kids who go to his school within a block of the precinct.

Terry Yzaguirre of the blog mplsmirror came along for the night. She likely has better shots that may show up on her blog soon. Check it out. http://www.mplsmirror.com/

MPR's Brandt Williams interviewed us for National Night Out. To hear the interview go to:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/04/bike-cops-nno/

Officer Mike playing with fireworks.

Stocking up on new Trek bikes from Penn Cycle

2009-07-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Bike Cops for Kids with the staff from Penn Cycle after our final pick-up of new bikes.

Hennepin County Deputy Sergeant Felicia Chesmer met with the Bike Cops for Kids to learn more and possibly implement a similar program county wide.

Father Michael, President of DeLasalle High School, stopped Officer Mike in the middle of lunch to tell tell him how proud he was that he did something with his life. Father Michael taught Mike how to be a man at Cretin High School 25 years ago.

2009-07-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Street Party!

2009-07-30T20:04:00.001-07:00

The Bike Cops for Kids hosted a street party on the east side of the Hawthorne neighborhood and had a blast with all of these people and at least a hundred more.

John, Megan and Terry posed here so I could catch Officer Mike texting during our party. John has a blog called The Adventures of Johnny Northside and Terry has one called the Mplsmirror. Megan is a Northsider with a huge heart. These folks are friends of the Bike Cops for Kids.

The bike rodeo was simple, but effective.

Rick Maas and the MPD crime prevention interns along with neighbor, Joan Thom, setting up a hot dog stand for the street party.

In the back round, previous bike winner Lilly is being read to by Brooke from "500 under 5", a literacy and community outreach initiative who came and passed out books.

This little girl and I struggled through this book together.

An adorable family of proud bike helmet wearing kids and their grandma.

Officer Mike in a PEACE sandwich with Tenanye and Ann, PEACE Foundation board members.

I was able to catch up with these 16 year olds who I used to know as their neighborhood beat cop when they were toddlers. Their mom even remembered me too.

Michelle and Sara are trauma nurses at the U of M Fairview Children's Hospital and they are sticklers for making sure the helmet sits exactly right on the kids head.

Here's a picture of Lauren Martin from "500 under 5" passing out books to a young man punishing his hot dog - while wearing his bike helmet.

Jenna won a bike on Monday and helped her little sister gear up for a chance to win a bike herself. Once we can get a big brother or big sister to set the example, the little ones are easy to convert into wearing that helmet every time. Thanks Jenna!

These 2 young ladies are MPD crime prevention interns and have been instrumental with some of our street parties this summer.

Safety Ceremony

2009-07-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Officer Mark found safe bikers on his way home for the day. Great kids.

This is the cameraman from KSTP taking the training wheels off of this girls brand new bike. She and another bike winner were very happy he had a monkey wrench in his truck.

The 2 guys in the middle, Deshawn and Ben won bikes for wearing their helmets.

Darryl and his kids were happy to meet the Bike Cops for Kids and get some new helmets. They were playing "police officer" using walkie talkies when we found them. You can see the makeshift walkie talkies if you search.

Officer Mike talking with members of the media who came to the safety ceremony.

Officer Mark with some kids hanging our in front of the stage we put together for the Safety Ceremony.

McDonalds provided a big lunch and everyone here yelled, "I'm loving it" before the Safety Ceremony. Thanks McDonalds.

Officer Mike with the kids who went to the school he worked at last year.

Meet The Mayor

2009-07-29T02:54:00.001-07:00

Mayor Rybak interviewed the Bike Cops for Kids on his TV show, "Meet the Mayor" in which public safety was the topic.

An adorable family of kids down by the river on their way to the Mill City Museum grabbing a moment for a picture. Elyse (below), Maddy (soccer team in state championship) and Ryan (tree climber).

Officer Mike needed Elyse to help him keep 5 yo Luke under control because Officer Mark was busy taking pictures.

These 2 kids were just told about their new bikes that will be delivered tomorrow and Officer Mark took a moment on the porch and off of his bike seat.

2 more lucky helmet wearers that will receive their new bikes during a Safety Ceremony to be held Wednesday at 3:00 PM near 16th/Girard Av N. They want you to come if you can.

Mayor Rybak bikes along with Bike Cops for Kids

2009-07-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Officer Mark transporting the Mayor's bike in preparation for his "bike along" with the Bike Cops for Kids.

The Mayor realized that being a bike cop for kids is possibly the best job in Minneapolis. Here we connected with some young guys and a mentor who flagged us down.

Officer Mike skipping with a big fan of the Bike Cops visit to her block today.

These folks were on vacation from Winnipeg and needed help fixing a flat tire during their extensive bike tour of Minneapolis.

Above is a great picture of the Mayor adjusting the seat on Jenna's brand new bike she won for wearing her helmet.

Kids of every age in the above photo with Officer Mike and Mayor Rybak after fitting them with their bike helmets.

These little girls were were teaching the Mayor how to shake hands before a job interview.

This little guy was taking some tips from his sister on how to shake hands with the Mayor of Minneapolis.

Officer Mike with some young guys in front of the Cookie Cart on West Broadway.

Officer Mike and the Mayor strolling through the northside on a beautiful day to connect with kids.

These guys were about as fun as they get. We played some football and almost got in trouble for obstructing traffic.

Officer Mike fitting Kadonna for her helmet while explaining to her that the Mayor was glad to meet her. She was a bit overwhelmed as you'll see in the video below. Great kid.

Busy Bee Bike Cops

2009-07-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Officer Mike with Isiah on a patrol car.

Isiah and his mom, Kertrell, on his brand new bike.

Officer Mike with a family we've been visiting all summer. We brought them lunch compliments of McDonalds and had some fun.

Here's Officer Mike and Linda the Manager at McDonalds who donates cheese burgers and fries for us to have lunch with kids and their families.

Mike and Mark programming each lock that accompanies each new bike we give away.

These are 2 of the great team of bike mechanics at Penn Cycle who have donated their time putting these bikes together for us. Below is a poorly directed (Mike) video showing them in action.

Martrease caught in the act by the Bike Cops for Kids

2009-07-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

View this if you want to smile.

The bikes are rolling!

2009-07-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Martrease is the young man in the video in the above post who we had to spy on to catch him wearing his helmet. This is just a fine young man and one Mike and I will not forget.

Proud Martrease walking his bike up his yard and into his house for safe keeping.

These little tikes were with their mom at the North Regional Library on Lowry and needed bike helmets.

Everyone was happy and showed it with their hands in the air like they just don't care.

Officer Mike waving at the neighbors on Penn Ave.

Precious and her Dad right after she won her new bike.

Proud sisters with their matching bikes above and below.

She would like you to know that she does NOT need training wheels.

These girls were huggers.

Officer Mike explaining phase #2 - the bikes are rolling!

On the hunt for helmet wearing kids

2009-07-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Officers Mike and Mark in a self photographed shot on the Broadway bridge with the skyline in the back round.

Officer Mike explaining bike safety to some little bikers.

Officer Mark doing a talk on bike safety at a local day-camp before they leave with their parents.

Officer Mike making himself at home behind the bar, filling up our water bottles - with water.

This guy is all business as a new D.I.D. safety ambassador near City hall.

Officer Mike re-connecting with a student that attends the school he works at during the school year. JJ is in the back round and he turned 15 that day.

Rain rain go away

2009-07-21T17:25:00.001-07:00

Officers Mike and Mark at Bike Cops for Kids headquarters dealing with administrative details and waiting for the rain to stop.

Bike maintenance up at the Special Operation Center of the MPD on the northside.

MPD Training coordinator Mary Lou making sure Officer Mark is up to date on his P.O.S.T. license.

The sun finally came out and so did the Bike Cops for Kids. These little girls thought they were the luckiest kids on the northside today.

Here's Officer Mike going downhill, towing the bike trailer in an alley in the hilly northside.

And here's Officer Mike paying for that hill about 5 minutes later.

Locally grown produce from a new grocer in the North Loop neighborhood made for a healthy lunch. This place is called D'lish and is owned by a staunch northside resident who was instrumental in turning the Jordan neighborhood around in 2006.

This little girl had complete admiration for her big sister as Officer Mike fitted her for her helmet.

Cool Kids explaining phase #2

2009-07-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

It may be hard to hear, but this is about as cool a kid as they come in front of the North Regional Library on Lowry Ave explaining phase 2 where we start giving away bikes to helmet wearing kids.

Recharged and restocked for phase #2

2009-07-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

We found these guys without bikes, but in need of a helmet. The shorter one describes how his bike doesn't have 2 peddles and the taller kid only has a skateboard. We'll be looking for these guys again to award them new bikes.

We ordered a sign for our bike trailer from A signs on Lowry Ave. The owner should have it ready by Tuesday and it will appear in the blog Wednesday.

This was the oldest kid in a group of 11 and his participation was instrumental in the other kids participation in the initiative.

Right after eating fresh at the Lowry Ave Subway, we found this guy biking to basketball practice without a helmet. He said he won't take it off until he wins a new bike.

Great neighborhood group of kids. We'll be going back to see if they are wearing their new shiny helmets. This group may get a few bikes if we can catch them.

This kids smile says it all. I don't think we have had a kid this happy to get a free bike helmet yet.

This young lady went to Officer Mike's school and her mother was very happy to have a police officer visit in the middle of the "dog days of summer". Her little brother was a little overwhelmed in the picture here.

Bike Cops for Kids will be back July 20th with a surprise!

2009-07-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Penn Cycle

2009-07-10T17:28:00.001-07:00

Tim is the manager at Penn Cycle and Fitness who has been more than gracious as a partner in the Bike Cops for Kids project. He and the staff there have donated their time and energy to make the kids who will win these bikes safe little riders.

Officer Pat Tapp is a Bike Cops for Kids wannabe working on the south side this summer. We peddled around with Hennepin County Probation and shared the joys and concerns we're having with our summer projects.

Another unexpected "brother hug"from the same little guy that hugged Mike back in late June.

Officer Mike walking out of Hmong Academy summer school after a check-in with the folks he works with during the school year.

Slow night for the Bike Cops for Kids

2009-07-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Working nights downtown this past week had its moments. We'd both rather stick to the north side and work when the kids are out during the day. We did order up the bikes and are getting ready for phase 2 of the project.

As it turns out, having bike cops around you when you're trying to look tough defeats your purpose. These guys just walked away from us when we started taking pictures with them. There's more than one way for a cop to clear up a trouble spot.

These guys didn't last too long either, but at least they pretended to like us a little before leaving without saying goodbye.

We did catch up with the Mad Dads again. These guys are everywhere and the Mpls Director, V.J. Smith, works as hard as anyone on some of the most complex issues facing folks in Mpls.

We're still waiting on the last shipment of helmets and promised these little ones we'd be back with more than just stickers. They were just fun loving kids having a safe summer with each other.

Officers Mike and Mark waiting for the rain to stop and making friends at a retail establishment.

2009-07-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

WCCO and Greenway safety patrol

2009-07-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Bike Cops for Kids were on WCCO radio in the morning with John Hines and Susie Jones.

Here's proof that what I said above actually happened.

Here is the best picture of Officer Mike and Officer Mark waiting to meet the Midtown Greenway safety coalition for a night ride.

Officer Mike ruined this Yankee fans baseball outside the Grand Hotel where that baseball team from New York City stays while they are in town.

The soccer game down off the Midtown Greenway was at halftime and The Bike Cops for Kids got the chance to thrill the crowd with some nifty soccer moves of their own.

The home team liked Officer Mark's free kick so much they asked to pose for a picture.

Officer Mark catching up with some kids from the school he works at during the school year.

Officer Mike having a good time.

These little guys are brothers who liked the sound of the police bike siren when Officer Mike whistled it for them.

Officer Mark discussing the curfew ordinance with some Mpls youth.

Summer nights

2009-07-06T22:26:00.001-07:00

Great group of kids enjoying the beautiful night on the north side with The Bike Cops for Kids

Officer Mike and Richard Chakolis Sr., 45 year teacher and wrestling coach, after spending time with Richard's grandchildren and outfitting them with helmets.

Officer Mike tuning up this little guys handle bars.

Mr. Dickson works for the City of Minneapolis too. He's always been a big supporter of The MPD and the work we do on the north side.

North side blogger John Hoff (aka: Johnie Northside) and Officer Mark sharing stories at a BBQ.

This kid had handcuffs too and she always wears her bike helmet.

The moon over Minneapolis was stunning from the north side that night, but didn't quite come through in photography.

Officer Mike made a summer connection with Dequante, a young man who attends the school Mike works at during the school year.

Downtown curfew patrol on Hennepin Ave.

The Bike Cops for Kids were invited to a delicious BBQ at 27th/Logan Av N. This little girl had a dog named Wangwang and wore her helmet during dinner.

Officer Mike on Washington (Boulevard) Ave in the north loop.

Beautiful Downtown Minneapolis

2009-07-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

Bike Cops for Kids had a downtown day before meeting with Michael Ciresi of the Ciresi Foundation so we took some snapshots around town where everyone who visits should. Ofcourse, this is the Mary Tyler Moore statue on Nicollet Mall.

Here's a great shot of downtown from the east side of the Stone Arch Bridge, the 2nd best attractioon in the Minneapolis Parks.

The Guthrie is behind us and we're in Gold Medal Park, looking at the new 35W bridge.

Don't ever try this at home. Officer Mike wishing he failed the Police exam, so he would have ended up with MFD instead.

The newest addition to the safety team in the downtown Mpls Safe Zone. They're called Safety Ambassadors and they work on the livability issues around downtown with the MPD and other partners in the Safe Zone. Here's us and the ambassadors with one of the guys they just diplomatically asked to take a nap somewhere beside Nicollet Mall.

After our meeting with the Bike Cops for Kids funding source, The Ciresi Foundation, Michael Ciresi took a moment to pose for a picture with us.

Officer Mike navigating traffic with a Nicollet Mall shopper, who scolded Mike in front of a large crowd for being so forward.

Here we are on the west side of the Mississippi, on the downtown side of the Stone Arch Bridge with The Mill City Museum and the Guthrie river walk extension in the backround. Photo by Mike Christensen.

Da da da da da, I'm lovin' it.

2009-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Great group of kids from 2 houses next door to each other. McDonalds donated 30 cheese burgers and a lot of french fries for Issac's birthday party at high noon. They all got a helmet.

This little girl really liked Mike. She also knew how to make sure she got enough lunch.

Best lunch we've had in a while.

These kids were early risers and they promised to wear their helmets every time they ride.

This bike was abandoned because the chain was wrapped up in the chain guard. We fixed it and left it on the boulevard with a new helmet.

These 2 kids are brothers and said they'd make sure each other wore a helmet each time he rides.

Opposites attract. Mike and this little guy hit it off right away.

It's not evident in the picture, but the kids in the front are about 4 years younger than the kids in the back and they were running in 2 separate groups. The younger kids were not sure how their helmets would be received when the older kids saw them and they concern was palpable when the older guys arrived. Once we told everyone they could win a bike if they were caught wearing their helmet, the older guys were fully on board and the entire interaction may have been the best moment of the project so far.

These guys are having a fun summer.

This proud father saw our project on the news and was elated to catch us on the street so his daughter could have a chance to win a new bike.

2009-06-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

A chance meeting with Council member Don Samuels just before breakfast.

Officer Mike thought the best way to help Officer Mark change his flat tire would be to take pictures of him in the back round of a close-up of himself.

Kevin, the owner of Freewheel Bike shop on the Mpls Greenway gets an ear full of Officer Mark's big plans.

Bike Cops can look tough if they try hard enough.

Felicia, manager of the Broadway McDonalds and Officer Mark.

The best coffee shop in the city again for some energy.

City Attorney Susan Segal and Martha Holton with Officer Mark in front of the Mad Dads community action vehicle on Broadway.

V.J. Smith, founder and president of the MN chapter of Mad Dads and Officer Mark.

It was tough to find kids outside, so we hollered at these tykes to come out and get some cool stickers.

These cool kids yelled "Officer Mike" as we biked by, necessitating a stop.

After lunch at the Midtown Global Market we had some time for a little chess. Checkmate!

Officer Mike never learned how to play chess, which made it easy for Officer Mark to win 3 out of 5.

Bike mechanic Sam and Officer Mark at Freewheel Bike Shop.

Former north side State Senator Carl Kroening shared a bit of his day with the Bike Cops for Kids.

Officer Mark coordinating a tactical response with Officers Rabine and Hagen

Issac's birthday song. We'll be back there tomorrow with helmets, cheese burgers and fries to celebrate right. Watch for it.

Windy Monday

2009-06-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Windy and overcast Monday made for irritable bike cops with little to do.

Officer Mike catching up on his administrative tasks from last week.

Officer Skogland in the back round refused to pose for a picture with the "Diva Bike Cops" as we caught him in the parking lot before work.

We did find a gymnasium full kids to read a book to and they sang us a song in return.

Fun Friday

2009-06-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sadia's twins with the Bike Cops for Kids.

We filled up the booking van - not with bad guys this time.

This little guy was attempting to replicate Mike's fake smile at the Broadway McDonalds

Jennifer and Michaela found Mark and Mike at Papas Pizza at lunch.

The Jerry Gambles Boys and Girls club doing what they do best at Glengale park.

The PEACE Foundation threw a street party at 14th/Irving and these kids wouldn't stop dancing for the picture.

Asante beat Officer Mark in a footrace.

Sondra Samuels (PEACE Foundation president) and her daughters with the Bike Cops for Kids

The team of helmet fitters helped over 110 kids find the right helmet at the street party.

This little guy was particularly proud of his new helmet. His equally proud dad couldn't hold back his smiles.

Surveying the Bike Rodeo with a couple of kids.

Officer Mike got an unexpected "brother hug" from one of the kids who attends the school he works at during the school year.

A brief break from the heat at Farview Park with some little swimmers.

This young man had some tips on how to be a better cop for Officer Mark.

I met this guy when he was 4 years old and spent many years in his neighborhood. I have not seen him since he was about 11. He said, "Tha Boy! it looks like you've lost some weight". Tha Boy was my street cop nick name.

Officer Mike on a little business check with the Sisters of Sew up on Thomas Ave N.

A couple of happy helmet receivers up at the Special Operations Center of the MP

The cook was watching his ribs very carefully with Officer Mike around.

This was our youngest little client that day. Possibly our pickiest as well.

Officer Mark served up some lunch for hungry folks on Glenwood Ave/Gramercy.

The sun was bright at the start of this cool video.

More pictures from the downtown visit

2009-06-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

This little guy was so helpful at his dad's stand in the farmer's market, we just had to stop on our way back up north.

"I was waiting for the bus with Grandma and I told these 2 policemen that I wanted to be a policeman and then they gave me a bike helmet."

Both of us went Red for women's heart health with the women who convinced us.

Here's Officer Mark tolling down Nicollet Mall telling people there were NOT kids being hauled around behind police bikes.

The Farmer's Market is wonderful.

Officer Mike spurning the advances of the ladies who were not so sure about cops wearing shorts and pulling a bike trailer down Nicollet Mall

Sheletta Brundidge, Officer Mark Klukow and Kevyn Burger going Red for womens heart health at Peavy Plaza on Farmer's Market Thursday. Sheletta and Kevyn are cohosts of a radio talk show on in the afternoons on 107.1. Funny women.

We ran into Scott Mayer and Mitch Kelley on our way to our accountability meeting with the Ciresi Foundation folks.

The we ran into Mike uncle Mike too.

Officer Mike and Officer Mark at the Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi lawfirm sharing the successes of the project the Ciresi Foundation has funded this summer.

Dowtown visit on day 4

2009-06-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Mike with his sister on his left and Sylvia from the Ciresi lawfirm on his left.

We biked downtown to check in with our grant source and let them know how to follow our progress. On the way we stopped for some photo opportunities.

Thes guys were up early and more than exited to take part in the program. If we catch them wearing those helmets, they'll get a free Trek Bike from Penn Cycle!

You just can't help but love happy little kids in the summer.

We had to wake this little guy up early to fit him for the helmet his mom said he needed the night before.

Day 3 had its trials.

2009-06-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

The rain delay was short.

It took some convincing for these kids to wear the helmets. If we catch them wearing the helmet later this summer, they may win a brand new bike from Penn Cycle.

Father O'Connell was our gracious host at the elder lunch at Ascension Church. Great chicken salad sandwiches.

Ascension Church elders lunch had to be moved into the garage at the last minute due to rain and Mike engineered the move.

These kids are some of the 100 kids from greater metro churches who have brought their time, resources and energy to improve north side properties like this one. Officer Mike is sitting next to the kind lady who lived at this place.

This group of kids obliged our request to let the news (WCCO TV) film Bike Cops for Kids.

Officer Mike buying steaks from a guy in the parking lot.

This poor little kid biked as fast as she could away from us, dropped her bike and ran into her house. Very good safety when 2 weirdos like Mike and Mark ask you if you want a free bike helmet. Mike tried, but never won her over.

Bike maintenance early in the morning up at the S.O.C.

Eat Fresh...and get a free bike helmet from Officer Mike.

The Country Squire made for a nice photo op when the resident came out wondering why we were checking out her car.

These kids were great. I pulled out a pink helmet from the trailer while explaining that we have the perfect helmet. He finished with a perfectly timed, "for my sister!" Then he choose fire stripes.

Officer Mark Klukow doing the daily bullets at the S.O.C.

Officer Mike Kirchen explaining the Bike Cops for Kids project.

Hot days on the bikes

2009-06-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mike Kirchen working out the kinks with a tennis team and their coach at Folwell Park

This is Precious, the first child to receive a helmet.

The Fire Department made us clean their truck to use their bathroom.

Here's a pit stop at the Special Operations Center to fill up the bike trailor with helmets.

Day #1

2009-06-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Officers Mark, President Obama and Officer Mike met at the PEACE Foundation to start the big endeavor.

This laptop was retrieved from the thief and given back to Sondra before processing the criminal for thievery.

Mike had to buy the $5 foot long because he put one less hole in the target at the police gun range earlier in the day.

Henry Crosby and Mr. Knox along with Officers on a tour of the new YMCA youth center on West Broadway.

The Minneapolis Urban League's air conditioning was working well and Mark is pictured here with the desk employees making sure no one gets in without signing in.

Officer Mike lost a tough match to this Cookie Cart employee who refused to give Mike her name.

Officer Mark hanging out with the church engineer as he waited for the pastor to show up.

Officer Mike taking photos of Mark speaking to 100 youth from the exurbs who came in to give their time, resources and energy to the north side for the entire week.

Officer Mike's skilled photography again as Mark spoke about safety and preparedness to the kids in the basement of Ascension Church.

Officer Mike and Shari Pugh (NRC director) at the best coffee shop in the city.

Officer Mark and Tremon with the "whole wide world in their hands"

Officer Mike with the Coleman kids after a game of football in their front yard.

Officer Mike with Vijay Smith's #2 Mad Dad at the bus stop.

Officer Mike with Triniece in front of the Shiloh Temple on Broadway.

These employees of the Cookie Cart were "having a meeting" and Officer Mark disrupted it.

Introduction: Bike Cops for Kids

2009-06-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Klukow and Mike Kirchen are Minneapolis Police Officers working on bike patrol in north Minneapolis. This blog will detail their events and activities throughout the summer of 2009 with select photos and videos taken while they patrol. What is interesting about this summer is the opportunity these officers have to connect with kids in their community and strengthen the relationships the citizens have with their police department.

The Ciresi Foundation has donated the funds for 400 bike helmets, bike supplies, and 30 brand new bikes to allow these officers the chance to make the summer memorable for hundreds of kids. The plan is to conduct "spontaneous" bike rodeos throughout the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) with kids in their neighborhoods. The NAZ borders are West Broadway on the south, 36th Av N on the north, and from Penn on the west to the Mississippi River on the east. During these rodeos, the kids will learn bike safety, simple maintenance tips, and spend some quality time with a trusted adult who happen to be police officers. They get a free helmet for participating and the helmets have "Bike Cops for Kids" stickers on them.

Here's the best part. If the officers find any of these kids wearing the stickered helmets later in the summer, they could win a brand new Trek Bike! A safety ceremony will take place at their home and the child will also receive a new bike lock.

The PEACE Foundation, Bell Bike Supplies, North Memorial Medical Center and Penn Cycle all are contributing to this endeavor and Officers Klukow and Kirchen are thankful for the faith and vision they all share for north Minneapolis youth. The Minneapolis Police Department Juvenile Unit is a supporter of this endeavor with their core belief being that prevention works when it comes to juvenile justice and crime reduction.