Naperville Police Issue "Tickets" For Safe Bike Riding

NAPERVILLE, IL -- Through the end of August 2017, Naperville law enforcement officers will be issuing citations for safe bicycle riding, but they are not normal tickets. For using safe riding practices, police will issue tickets to citizens, each worth a free ice cream cone at Riverwalk Café at 441 Aurora Ave.

The "Citations for Safe Biking Habits" program, run by the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Park District Police, is a bicycle safety awareness campaign.

"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," the press release said.

Police remind citizens that bicycles are not permitted on the Riverwalk, and can be locked up in the entrances to the Riverwalk.

"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," police said, and noted that each ticket will have a list of safety rules for reference.

Naperville Park District Police are reminding cyclists using the bike paths and trails in Naperville to "Share the Trail," by yielding to pedestrians, staying to the right and alerting others while passing.

The press release reminded citizens to follow the following safety rules. If you do, there's a chance you'll get a free ice cream:

• 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.

"The Naperville Police Department also encourages bicyclists to register their bikes in case of loss or theft," the press release says. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. citizens can register their bicycles at the Naperville Police Department at 1350 Aurora Ave. There is a $1 registration fee, and you can find registration forms here.

The City of Naperville offers more information on bike safety, security and registration at their website, or you can call the Crime Prevention Unit at (630) 420-6731.