Purdue News
Purdue News
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April 1, 2004 Purdue police to patrol for bicycle safetyWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University police will pedal bicycle safety on April 5-18 with special patrols designed to educate local cyclists about bicycle laws and regulations. Uniformed bicycle officers, in conjunction with the West Lafayette Police Department, will patrol areas around campus that are heavily traveled by cyclists. Bike riders who violate state laws and local ordinances will be issued warning tickets. Purdue police Deputy Chief Steven R. Dietrich said officers also will explain the infractions to cyclists and educate riders on safe cycling. "This educational enforcement period may lead to enforcement zones next semester in which actual tickets and fines could be issued," Dietrich said. "Many people do not understand the state and local laws and university regulations that apply to bicycles. With so many bicycles on campus, it is important for everyone's safety." Commonly ignored regulations include riding against the flow of traffic and not obeying signs and stoplights, Dietrich said. The times and locations of the enforcement zones will vary. This is the first such effort by the Purdue Police Department. Statistics from this enforcement period will aid officers in helping to plan safer bike routes and paths and decreasing the number of bicycle accidents with cars and pedestrians. Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu Source: Steven R. Dietrich, (765) 494-8221 Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to photograph and videotape enforcements zones. For times and locations, contact Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu
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