Bike Safety Events Planned In Romeoville, Frankfort

WILL COUNTY, IL — This spring, five northern Illinois forest preserve districts and two park districts will collaborate on a comprehensive bike safety and education initiative, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

The initiative, which will promote responsible riding and public safety, is set to begin in May to coincide with National Bike Month.

Organizations that have joined the effort are DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will County forest preserve districts and the Naperville and Fox Valley park districts.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe while enjoying the trails,” Deputy Police Chief David Barrios Jr. of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, said in a release. “By working together with other agencies and educating the public, we’re helping ensure that cyclists and other trail users can share these spaces responsibly all season long.”

Two bike safety days will be held in Will County in May:

• The kickoff event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on May 2, at Centennial Trail – Schneider’s Passage in Romeoville. Adam’s Bike Shop in New Lenox will be in attendance to perform bike safety checks.
• The second event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on May 17, at Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction Access in Frankfort Township.

During the bike safety programs, Forest Preserve police officers will answer questions and provide bicycling safety advice for those who stop by, the preserve said.

Forest Preserve police officers will provide information on e-bike safety in the preserves. The Will County Forest Preserve only allows class one e-bikes that have electric motors lower than 750 watts, have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour and no throttle. The bikes must have pedals and e-bike riders must be 16 years old or older, the preserve said.

In addition to the bike safety events, Forest Preserve District of Will County police will perform additional trail patrols to reinforce the Forest Preserve’s rules to make the paths safer, according to the preserve.