Officer Jason Bonczynski, Coordinator for the Hays Police Department Bike Patrol, spoke at the City of Hays’ press conference this morning. Bonczynski wanted to remind the public that school is back in session and there are a lot of children riding to and from school. He also shared some common safety tips for riding a bicycle that should be followed by both children and adults.

• Wear a properly fitting helmet.
• Adjust the bicycle properly for that specific rider.
• The seat should be level, and seat height should allow for a slight bend in the knee when fully extended.
• Handlebar height should be the same level as the seat.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated and brakes are working properly
• See and be seen: wear bright colors, perhaps reflective/fluorescent
• Ride in a safe manner, have at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Carry books and other goods in a backpack or satchel.
• Watch and avoid road hazards such as broken glass, potholes, animals, etc.
• Avoid riding at night, if you hav3e to put a light on the front and red reflectors on the back (law requirement)
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it
• Obey all traffic laws, signs and lane markings
• Ride in a straight line
• Stay alert; use your eyes and ears
• Don’t wear headphones
• Lock your bike up when not in use to reduce chances of theft.

Office Bonczynski also clarified a local law in response to a question: The city of Hays does allow for bicycle riders to ride on the sidewalk everywhere in town except for the downtown area.

Bicycles can be registered at the Hays Police Department.