BDPD Encourage Area Youth To Wear Helmets While Biking

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Police Department is encouraging area youth to obey traffic laws and wear helmets while riding their bicycles. Patrol Officer Tony Karel says he has noticed an increase of kids on bikes going in and out of roadways, not paying attention, and not wearing the correct safety equipment such as helmets. He says bicycles are the same as vehicle and must stop at stop signs.

During a recent appearance on WBEV’s Community Comment, Karel said this issue can be most dangerous on busy city streets such as North Spring Street or in the downtown. He says when crossing a busy intersection, it is better to get off the bike and walk on foot.

Karel says there has not been any major bicycle incidents in Beaver Dam over the summer, and hopefully it stays that way heading into the fall. He says it is also important for motorists to keep a watchful eye out for children riding their bikes and to slow down when driving through residential areas. Maintaining the correct speed-limit, Karel says, is aided by roadside speed monitors like the one on Park Avenue.

Karel notes that bikers need to give space to pedestrians on sidewalks because they have the right-of-way.