All two-wheel bikes should be registered with the Village. There is a one-time fee of $5. The Police Department encourages registration of bicycles for the following reasons: (1) Many bike riders carry no identification when riding a bike. Police have found lost children and unconscious persons who have fallen from a bike and were able to identify them through a bike license; (2) If a bike had a license, it would not be included with the bicycles that will be sold to the highest bidder at a Western Springs auction. Many bicycles are recovered by the police and then auctioned after 6 months when the owners are not located; (3) Should a registered bike be stolen, the police would have the serial number to put into a nationwide police computer. Also, a recovered bike could be returned to the owner due to the bicycle license enabling police personnel to contact the owner.

The riding of a bicycle becomes a habit and from time to time, bicyclists lose sight of the dangers involved in such an "innocent" past time. Each year your Police Department is called to investigate accidents involving bicycles. In nearly all cases, an injury was sustained by the bicycle rider; in some cases the injuries were very severe.

With this in mind, we would like to state several things that we hope will add to your bicycling pleasure and safety:

All bicyclists must adhere to all traffic regulations outlined for regular automobile/ truck traffic. Failure to do so may result in the issuing of a regular traffic citation.

• Do not carry passengers on a bicycle unless it has been designed for that purpose.
• Make sure your field of vision is clear. Do not ride with packages or other personal belongings blocking your view.
• Use hand signals when you are about to make a turn. Other drivers appreciate this little effort.
• Bicycles should be walked through all intersections.
• If you are carefully riding on a sidewalk, keep in mind that pedestrians have the right of way at all times. It should be emphasized that the riding of bicycles in our Business District is prohibited.
• When parking your bicycle on the sidewalk, especially in the Business District, do so in such a manner as not to block passage of pedestrians who may be shopping.
• Closely related to the safety concerns above, bicycles must obey traffic signals. Many times bicyclists are seen crossing an intersection against a red light. For some reason they feel they are immune from traffic signals. This also holds true for stop signs. Obey them--they are there for your safety as well as others.
• Have your bicycle registered with the Police Department. Should your bicycle be missing or presumed stolen, notify the Police Department. Lock your bicycle when not in use or when it is parked.
• Consider the wearing of a bicycle helmet. This is perhaps the single most important safety item that can be used.
• Make sure your bicycle is equipped with lights and reflectors. Use the lights when bicycling during evening or nighttime hours.

These are but a few items which bicyclists should be aware of. If more information is needed, please feel free to request it of your Police Department at 246-8540.