West Monroe Police to donate 10 bikes to local children, share bike safety tips

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — In celebration of National Bike Safety Month, the City of West Monroe and the West Monroe Police Department will host their annual Bike Safety Expo for local children on May 4, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Highland Park Wetland Trails in West Monroe.

At the event, the West Monroe Police will be gifting bicycles, donated by the Walmart Supercenter located at 1025 Glenwood Drive in West Monroe, to 10 lucky children. Corporal Ron Chapman says they went to local elementary schools and the principals picked their top male and female students who they felt deserved a bike. The bikes have been assembled by two volunteers, Toby Parker with the West Monroe Police Department and Steve Birmingham, a retired avid cyclist.

Although biking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, it is important for bikers to be aware of their surroundings and practice safe riding. Corporal Chapman says it is crucial for young riders to practice safe riding especially this time of the year.

It’s getting to be summer time now and the weather is nice and staying daylight longer during the day. A lot of kids are getting out riding their bicycles. So, we definitely need to get them better knowledgeable with bicycle safety.

Corporal Ron Chapman, West Monroe Police Department

Bikers should wear the proper attire such as a helmet and bright-colored clothing to make drivers aware of their presence. Bikers are to abide by Title 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statute while on the roadway.

When you are riding a bicycle on the road, you have to obey all traffic laws as far as like stops signs, red lights. You got to stop at a red light when riding a bicycle. When it turns green, you go and make sure it is clear when you cross a main highway.

Corporal Ron Chapman

Since the fiscal school year is nearly finished, drivers need to be cautious of children on bikes in neighborhoods and parks. The West Monroe Police Department are excited to raise awareness for Bike Safety Month and to share safe riding tips with young bikers.

For more information, contact the West Monroe Police Department at 318-396-2722.