The Naperville Police Department, in partnership with the Naperville Park District Police, will be “citing” residents all summer long for demonstrating safe biking. Unlike most citations, these “tickets” can be redeemed for a free ice cream cone at the Riverwalk Café, located near Rotary Hill. As part of a community education and safety awareness campaign, the Naperville Police Department has partnered with the Naperville Park District Police to help promote bicycle safety throughout the community.
From June through the end of August 2017, police officers from both departments can reward bicyclists for demonstrating good bike safety practices by providing the bicyclist with a coupon for a free ice cream cone redeemable at the newly renovated Riverwalk Café. 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.
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. The following are some bike safety tips in order to enjoy a safe and secure ride, every time!
- 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
Until next month… Stay Aware and Stay Safe.
