NORWAY – Groups of young cyclists brushed up on the state helmet law, had their bikes adjusted and rode the new Beal Street bike path during a special bicycle safety clinic Monday.
The clinic was sponsored by the Norway Police Department, the Norway Recreation Department and Healthy Oxford Hills as part of Maine Walk & Bike to School Week, May 9-13.
“There’s more and more bicyclists in the town now because there’s more and more children,” Norway Police Chief Rob Federico said during the clinic, which was held at the town office from 4 to 6 p.m.
Participants were invited to register their bicycles with the Police Department, watch a bicycle safety presentation, and have their bikes inspected by Art Hladik of Agape Acres Bicycle Repair of Buckfield before riding the Beal Street bike path with Officer Douglas McAllister.
Federico said his department has seen an increase in bicycle-related complaints over the years as the number of riders has gone up. “It’s usually kids and they’re just, you know, flying down the sidewalk,” he said.
Federico hoped the clinic would help make more people aware of bicycling etiquette and the need to share sidewalks with pedestrians or use bike lanes when they are available.
He and Norway Town Manager David Holt acknowledged that not everyone in town has been receptive to the bike lanes, which were added when Beal Street was improved last year.
“It’s something new and different for us,” Holt said. A study done a few years ago showed the need for improvements to help pedestrians and bicyclists get around town, he said.
Parent Paula Lamb was among those relieved to see the bike safety clinic offered. She attended with Caleb Lamb, 14; Kyle Lamb, 12; Ben Field, 11; and twins Catherine and Carolyn Lamb, 9.
Lamb’s son Kyle had some questions for Officer Jim Ventresca as he presented state laws pertaining to bicyclists.
“What’s the punishment for not having a helmet?” he asked pointedly. “I’m just wondering if it’s going to cost me anything.”
“It’s probably gonna cost me money,” Paula Lamb pointed out with a laugh. She later said she was glad the clinic was available so someone other than herself could stress the importance of bicycle safety.
Ventresca said fines range from $17 to $66 for such offenses as carrying a passenger on a bicycle without a proper seat, racing in a public way or riding at night without lights and reflectors.
Maine Walk & Bike to School Week is sponsored by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the Maine Department of Transportation.
Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Jeffrey Miller said Monday the effort started as a pilot program in 2003 after a transportation study showed that only 6 percent of Maine children walk or bike to school.
“We’re working hard to try and reach out to communities,” he said.
About 12 state schools now actively participate in the walk and bike to school week, Miller said.
Comments are no longer available on this story