Rules of the Road: RPD Holds Bike Safety Clinic

More than 25 youth brought their bikes to the Graydon North parking lot on Saturday to learn the do's and dont's of riding in the streets.

set up an obstacle course – in line with according to national safety standards – cones were set up, a live traffic light was stationed and a stop sign mimicked a two-way intersection for bicyclists.

In the eyes of traffic statutes, bicycles are considered vehicles and must abide by the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.

In 2011, there were several reported injuries involving bicyclists being struck by cars in the village. In some cases, bicyclists had unlawfully been riding through the crosswalk, often a common sight. It's something Ward hopes the clinic will prevent going forward.

The clinic is all part of the RPD's focus on community policing, according to Chief John Ward.

"It's critical that the kids be as safe as possible when they ride in Ridgewood but also as they go outside our borders," he said, adding that May is Bike to School month.

Ward said he also plans on partnering with the chamber of commerce and Guild to offer discounts to those who can present their certificate of completion from Saturday's clinic.

Members of the Ridgewood Cycle Shop also performed inspections of the bicycles and helmets for the annual clinic.