Information and Safety for Bicycles

The Do's and Dont's of Bicycle Safety

• Do wear a helmet with a strong buckle and strap.
• Do practice bike steering and balance.
• Do lock up your bike whenever you leave it and write down the serial number.
• Do wear bright colors so drivers can see you both crossing the street.
• Do stop, look both left and right and listen before crossing the street.
• Do pay attention to all road signs which come in many different colors and shapes. You must obey them just like cars. Your parents can help you learn what each sign means.
• Do ride on the right side of traffic near the edge of the road making sure you keep an eye on all cars, trucks, and vans. Facing traffic is totally wrong.
• Do check your bike often for loose parts making sure nothing is broken or falling apart.
• Do look all around you before you turn and use hand signals warning drivers of what you are doing. Ask your parents to teach you the proper hand signals when riding your bike.
• Do purchase a bicycle license from the Defiance Police Department. We will need the brand name, model, serial number, and size of your bicycle. This will help the Police Department if your bicycle is ever stolen.
• Don't buy a bicycle that's too tall. Be sure you can sit on the seat and your feet touch the street.
• Don't play games on your bike in the street.
• Don't ride two abreast, always ride in a single file.

Remember, safety first and you will have a fun summer ahead of you. Bikes are fun and good exercise too!

Bicycle Licensing Information

Every bicycle in the City of Defiance shall have a bicycle license to be purchased at the Defiance Police Department for $3 which shall be good for a three-year period. However, if the first year of the licensing period has expired the fee shall be $1.

Information needed for an application for a bicycle license:

1. Owner Name
   
2. Owner Address
   
3. Make and Model of Bicycle
   
4. Serial Number of Bicycle

City Ordinance 373.13 Attachment of License
License plate shall be attached to rear mud flap or the frame to be visible from the rear.

City Ordinance 373.14 Sale; Transfer of Bicycle License
Within five days from the sale or transfer, the license shall be removed and surrendered to the Police Department.

Did You Know?
Helmets decrease the risk of head injury by 85% (Rivara, 1997)

Only 18% of cyclist wear a helmet in the US. (Rodgers, 1995)