Usually an encounter with the police is not cause for celebration. But a few bicycle cops in Minneapolis are turning that notion on its head, tending to local youth in underserved neighborhoods through bike education, giveaways such as helmets and even new bikes, and just providing a caring presence. The free bikes and helmets are just icebreakers that allow the officers to give children attention and show them they are important. No matter what, the officers greet everyone enthusiastically. They push children on swings. They wade in park pools in full uniform. They lie on the ground for group pictures. "You have something to talk about and tell them, 'I want you to be safe,'" says Officer Klukow.
