This is a special and timely notice about bike safety in Bayside. Scenes of kids heading off on their bikes is a longtime village hallmark – whether they’re tearing down to the wharf, pedaling up to the Bayside Store for ice cream, or meeting up in Ruggles Park for a group activity.
And yet, already this summer, we are hearing of heightened concern about bike safety issues.
Recently, there was an alarming near miss involving a vehicle and children on bikes on Shore
Road – along a stretch that has some hills and blind spots.
STOP Means STOP
All bikers – young and not-so – need to STOP at STOP signs, but many children don’t. This is
especially important in busy, high traffic areas – including all streets leading to Ruggles Park.
Next time you’re around the park, watch how kids barrel down the hill on Maple St. and sail
right thru the intersection by Blair Realty. Our police officer is making a special effort to reinforce messages around bike safety – but he cannot be everywhere at once, as we know.
Wear a Helmet: It’s the law
Maine state law requires a bike helmet for anyone under the age of 16. Please click here for a
one-sheet note on Maine’s Bicycling Law, the attachment is a screen grab from the website of
the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (www.bikemaine.org).
Message from Safety Committee Chair, Michael Tirrell