OP/FYI for May 2004 -- Page 5 -- Oak Park, IL

Celebrate National Bike Month

Residents are encouraged to leave their cars at home during National Bike-to-Work Week, May 16-22, or at least Fri., May 22 which is National Bike-to-Work Day, two key highlights of the 48th consecutive year the League of American Bicyclists has designated May to promote bicycling. Oak Parkers who live too far from their jobs to bike the entire route are urged to ride a bicycle to the nearest mass transit hub, most of which have bike racks installed just for this purpose. The Village has long encouraged safe cycling and promoted the community as being bicycle friendly with Share the Road signs at all major community entry points, written guidelines to help cyclists and motorists get along on the roadway and bike racks located throughout the community, including 60 new bike racks scheduled to be installed this spring. The Village even offers fully enclosed, weatherproof bike lockers located at the intermodal CTA/Union Pacific station near the downtown mall. These bike lockers are available for an annual fee of $75 and a refundable key deposit of $25. Bicycles also are permitted on CTA trains every day except during weekday rush hours of 7 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. CTA buses serving the No. 63 63rd route and No. 72 North Avenue route also have bike racks, as do all PACE buses.

How to Bike to Work

What Should I Wear? You can probably bike in your work clothes if your ride is less than three miles, or ride in comfortable clothes and change at your destination. One basic rule -- wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride.

How do I freshen up? Bicycle commuting generally is not a sweaty affair, but you can bring a washcloth, soap and deodorant and wash up at your destination.

What if I live too far? If you live too far from work for a practical bicycle commute, cycle to the bus, transit or a co-worker's house and carpool. Or drive part of the way and bike the rest.

What if it rains? It's easiest to start as a fair-weather bike commuter. Later, you may want to experiment with different types of rain gear.

Is it safe in traffic? If you obey traffic laws and ride visibly and predictably you are at no greater risk cycling than driving a car.

Safe Cycling Tips

• Ride on the right in the same direction as traffic.

• Act like a motorist. The "Rules of the Road" also apply to cyclists. Use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn.

• Always wear a helmet straight on your head, not tipped forward or backwards.

• Ride predictably in a straight line and never swerve between moving or parked cars.

• Be visible. Wear brightly colored clothing at all times. At night use a white front light, a red rear light and reflective tape or clothing.

Safety/Security Tips

• Register your bike with the Police Department.

• Never leave your bike unlocked or unattended.

• Use a heavy lock, such as a case-hardened U-lock that can't easily be cut.

• Lock your bike even when it is stored in a closed garage, enclosed porch or basement common area.

• Call the police immediately if you see anyone suspicious hanging around a bike rack, in a neighbor's yard or near a garage.

• Warn children never to let anyone but a trusted friend ride their bike and not to be fooled by strangers who ask to borrow their bike.

Who to call for bicycling information

• Grand Illinois Trail map and information - 358.5726

• All-weather bicycle locker rental - 358-5726 or email publicworks@oak-park.us

• Suggest a new public right of way bike rack location - 358.5726 or email publicworks@oak-park.us

• Bicycle registration - 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us

• Public transit services - RTA Travel Information Center 836.7000


	National Bike Month Bike safety rodeo			Celebrate National Bike Month Residents are encouraged to leave their cars at home during National Bike-to-Work Week, May 16-22, or at least Fri., May 22 which is National Bike-to-Work Day, two key highlights of the 48th consecutive year the League of American Bicyclists has designated May to promote bicycling. Oak Parkers who live too far from their jobs to bike the entire route are urged to ride a bicycle to the nearest mass transit hub, most of which have bike racks installed just for this purpose. The Village has long encouraged safe cycling and promoted the community as being bicycle friendly with Share the Road signs at all major community entry points, written guidelines to help cyclists and motorists get along on the roadway and bike racks located throughout the community, including 60 new bike racks scheduled to be installed this spring. The Village even offers fully enclosed, weatherproof bike lockers located at the intermodal CTA/Union Pacific station near the downtown mall. These bike lockers are available for an annual fee of $75 and a refundable key deposit of $25. Bicycles also are permitted on CTA trains every day except during weekday rush hours of 7 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. CTA buses serving the No. 63 63rd route and No. 72 North Avenue route also have bike racks, as do all PACE buses. How to Bike to Work What Should I Wear? You can probably bike in your work clothes if your ride is less than three miles, or ride in comfortable clothes and change at your destination. One basic rule -- wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride. How do I freshen up? Bicycle commuting generally is not a sweaty affair, but you can bring a washcloth, soap and deodorant and wash up at your destination. What if I live too far? If you live too far from work for a practical bicycle commute, cycle to the bus, transit or a co-worker's house and carpool. Or drive part of the way and bike the rest. What if it rains? It's easiest to start as a fair-weather bike commuter. Later, you may want to experiment with different types of rain gear. Is it safe in traffic? If you obey traffic laws and ride visibly and predictably you are at no greater risk cycling than driving a car. Safe Cycling Tips • Ride on the right in the same direction as traffic. • Act like a motorist. The "Rules of the Road" also apply to cyclists. Use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn. • Always wear a helmet straight on your head, not tipped forward or backwards. • Ride predictably in a straight line and never swerve between moving or parked cars. • Be visible. Wear brightly colored clothing at all times. At night use a white front light, a red rear light and reflective tape or clothing. Safety/Security Tips • Register your bike with the Police Department. • Never leave your bike unlocked or unattended. • Use a heavy lock, such as a case-hardened U-lock that can't easily be cut. • Lock your bike even when it is stored in a closed garage, enclosed porch or basement common area. • Call the police immediately if you see anyone suspicious hanging around a bike rack, in a neighbor's yard or near a garage. • Warn children never to let anyone but a trusted friend ride their bike and not to be fooled by strangers who ask to borrow their bike. Who to call for bicycling information • Grand Illinois Trail map and information - 358.5726 • All-weather bicycle locker rental - 358-5726 or email publicworks@oak-park.us • Suggest a new public right of way bike rack location - 358.5726 or email publicworks@oak-park.us • Bicycle registration - 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us • Public transit services - RTA Travel Information Center 836.7000



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				Bike safety rodeo set Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to the Oak Park Police Department's annual Bike Safety Rodeo, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat., June 5 at the YMCA, 255 S. Marion. Activities will include a skill-testing obstacle course and prizes. Police officers also will share safety tips and register bicycles so they can be easily identified if lost or stolen. For more information call 358.5575 or email police@oak-park.us.