Above / Stopped in Naperville recently for practicing safe biking habits, Tyce (age 6) and Braxton (age 5) were “cited” by Park Service Officer Scott Armandi and Naperville Police Officer Kevin Kendrick while their mom, Anna Krause, watches.
The Naperville Police Department, in partnership with the Naperville Park District Police, will be “citing” residents all summer long for demonstrating safe biking. Unlike traditional citations, however, these “tickets” can be redeemed for a free ice cream cone at the Riverwalk Café, located at 441 Aurora Avenue near Rotary Hill.
The “Citations for Safe Biking Habits” community education and bicycle safety awareness campaign will continue through the end of August 2016. Police officers from both departments can reward bicyclists for demonstrating good bike safety practices.
Above / Moments after they met the police officers, Tyce and Braxton displayed the “citations” they received.
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage all bicyclists to always wear a helmet, obey all traffic laws, lock up bikes when not in use and be visible and predictable. Additional bike safety rules are printed on the back of the coupon as another reminder to stay safe.
Naperville Park District Police would also like to encourage those bicyclists using the Bike Paths and Trails throughout Naperville’s parks to “Share the Trail” by always yielding to pedestrians, including hikers and joggers, staying to the right, alerting others when passing or approaching on the trail and controlling their speed at all times.
Although bicycling is a fun activity and a great way to become and remain fit, bicyclists can be seriously injured in accidents. They are less protected than drivers of automobiles and do not always practice safe riding habits.
Help promote bike safety
As part of this Summer Bike Safety Campaign, both police departments also recommend the following bike safety tips:
Wear a bike helmet at all times. Wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.
Keep your bike in good working condition. Be sure tires are properly inflated, brakes work, and the chain is clean and well oiled.
Ride single file on the roadway, as far to the right as practical.
Obey all traffic laws and slow down and check traffic at all corners and intersections.
Watch parked cars for pedestrians and opening doors.
Keep both hands on the handle bars except when indicating turn signals.
Stay off busy streets.
Have a headlight on your bike when riding at night, as well as rear and wheel reflectors.
Wear light colored and/or reflective clothing while riding.
Only one person on the bike.
No stunt riding.
Do not carry packages or bundles when riding.
No hitching rides from cars.
Do not wear headsets while riding.
Always yield to pedestrians.
Secure the bike when finished riding.
Register bikes in the event of loss or theft
The Naperville Police Department also encourages bicyclists to register their bikes in case of loss or theft. Bike registrations are accepted at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Ave., during normal business hours, 7AM to 7PM Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM on Saturdays. There is a one dollar ($1.00) registration fee, and registration forms can be found on the City of Naperville’s website at: www.naperville.il.us/protectyourbike.
For more information on bike safety and security, bicycle registration and suggested locking devices, contact the Naperville Police Department’s School Resource Unit at (630) 420-6731 or visit the City of Naperville’s website at: www.naperville.il.us/protectyourbike.
Editor’s Note / Always walk bikes along the brick paths of the Riverwalk that lead to the Riverwalk Café. Bicycling is prohibited on the Riverwalk.
Above / The Riverwalk park is the community’s natural treasure in the heart of Naperville. Note that unlike other trails through the city’s parks, bikes must be walked along the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is for walkers, runners, joggers and strollers. For other Riverwalk regulations, see the signs along the Riverwalk and at Rotary Hill. Thank you. (PN Photo)
News and photos of ‘citations’ submitted by Commander Jason Arres, Office of Professional Standards, Public Information Officer, for the Naperville Police Department.
