Pines Police encourage bicycling and bike safety

You can find people walking and biking during all hours of the day in Ocean Pines, and for residents of the pines most roads do not have sidewalks, and in some cases bike lanes.  This is an important month to remind folks to watch out and share the road.

The Ocean Pines Police are taking part in National Bike Month to showcase the benefits of biking, and the encourage safety.

Officers ask those biking to increase their visibility to drivers by wearing bright clothing and always make your intentions on the roadways clear.

The police department is taking part in the national event by distributing new helmets to children in need, and can be picked up at the police department.

We spoke to residents who say despite the lack of sidewalks, drivers in Ocean Pines normally do a good job keeping an eye out for their two-wheeled counterparts.

"I feel that way, I've never felt unsafe.  I have to admit I don't always wear my helmet, but I probably should.  But I've never really felt the need because there's not people speeding but people aren't going 55, they're doing 35," says Ocean Pines resident Jane Simcock.

The police are also taking this opportunity to remind drivers to yield to bicyclists as you would motorists.  That's an important message throughout the area, especially along Ocean Parkway.