Kane County Reporter

Officers in the St. Charles Police Bike Patrol Unit are required to complete a 32-hour certification course through the International Police Mountain Bike Association. This course includes both written and physical tests. To ensure their skills remain sharp, officers participate in regular training sessions, which include refresher courses and bike maintenance classes.

Recently, the Bike Patrol Unit conducted a training session at the old police station site. During this event, specially selected officers demonstrated their skills and provided insights on how cyclists and motorists can avoid accidents during summer, cycling's busiest season.

The unit emphasizes several key safety tips for cyclists:

- Before riding, inspect your bike thoroughly. Ensure that the seat is adjusted to the correct height and locked in place, all parts are secure and functioning properly, tires are inflated correctly, and reflectors are installed on various parts of the bike. Additionally, it is recommended to have a horn or bell, rear-view mirror, and bright headlight.

- Visibility is crucial for safety. Cyclists should wear neon or fluorescent clothing whenever possible and ride during daylight hours. If riding at night is necessary, reflective clothing along with front and rear lights should be used.

- Wearing a helmet is essential for all riders regardless of age or ride length. Proper helmet fitting involves adjusting sizing pads or fit rings until snug, positioning it level on your head covering your forehead without tipping forward or backward. The side straps should form a "V" shape under your ears with the buckle centered under your chin.

To further enhance safety while biking:

- Familiarize yourself with traffic laws as bicyclists must adhere to the same rules as motorists.

- Ride single-file in traffic direction as far right as possible.

- Stay alert by keeping your head up to watch for hazards like opening car doors.

- Use hand signals when turning and exercise caution at intersections.

- Avoid hitching onto cars.

- Always stop before entering traffic to check left-right-left again along with over-the-shoulder glances.

These guidelines aim to reduce accidents during peak cycling times by promoting safe practices among cyclists.