Safe Bicyclists Eligible for Free Ice Cream Cones

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville Park District Police will be looking to give bicyclists tickets this summer … for a free ice cream cone!

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 by providing the bicyclist with a coupon for a free ice cream cone redeemable at the newly renovated Riverwalk Café, 441 Aurora Ave.

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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.

As part of this Summer Bike Safety Campaign, both police departments also recommend the following 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 handlebars 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. Bike registrations are accepted at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Ave., during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a one dollar registration fee, and registration forms can be found on the City of Naperville’s website.

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.