Riders reminded to get bikes in working order

The East St. Tammany Bicycling and Pedestrian Action Committee, or BI-PAC, is planning its first big activity on April 20 with a Spring Ride through Slidell.

BI-PAC, a non-profit, founded by Slidell resident Sue deRada, was formed to create more bicycle and pedestrian paths in the city and parish with the ultimate goal of connecting the east and west side of the parish with bicycle paths. The Spring Ride is open to all bicycle enthusiasts. They will meet at 1:30 p.m. April 20 in Fritchie Park in south Slidell. After the ride's leaders, John and Ellen Brown, who are the leaders of Bi-PAC's 12th District, divide up the bikers into skill levels, the ride will start at 2 p.m., with the most experienced bicyclists in the lead.

John Brown said the procession will ride to Heritage Park using one of the Browns' "favored routes."

DeRada said more information will be forthcoming on the exact route from Fritchie Park to Heritage Park.

BI-PAC is looking for someone with a video camera that can document the ride, and also assure the organization that no one is breaking the law or harassing motorists.

DeRada reminds everybody to get their bicycles in working order, make sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes work, the seat is stable, and that the proper reflectors and lights are on the bike in case they have to ride after dark. She suggested that all riders carry a tube repair kit with them.

She said that there are no specific regulations for bicyclists in St. Tammany Parish, except for the 1992 Tammany Trace ordinance that outlines specific road reguations for bicycle.

Those regulations can be found at www.tammanytrace.or/rules.shtml.

DeRada reminds bikers that the Slidell Police Department requires all bicycles within city limits to be registered and carry a seal of registration.

DeRada said one of the important things about riding bicycles on the roads of the parish and city is riders should educate themselves on the rules of the road when it comes to bicycles. She said that with the price of gasoline approaching $4 a gallon, more and more people are riding bikes or walking to save money. The increase in bicycle traffic means that both motorists and bicyclists have to be aware of each other. BI-PAC will be issuing a series of articles on bicycle ordinances and regulation in the future.

To find out more about the Spring Ride, or to join BI-PAC, contact deRada at derada@aol.com or call her at (985) 863-7868.