Programs
Safety
Kansas passed a law around 2012 endorsing the 3 feet to pass rule.
A vehicle can legally pass a bicycle on the left, given there is at least 3 feet of space between the cyclist and the vehicle.
Vehicles can only legally pass on the left, and can’t move back to the right until clear of the cyclist.
Vehicles may pass bicycles in a no passing zone as long as it’s safe to do so.
Laws like this are a great step in the right direction in making Kansas more cycling friendly!
Helmet and Lights
We currently give out free helmets and lights. (while supplies last)
Lights are required for riding at night.
Helmets are recommended for all ages. Adults are not required to wear a helmet by law, but helmets work to provent injury.
Register Your Bike - Bike Index
We recommend all people register their bike with the Bike Index. It is free to do.
https://bikeindex.org/users/new
If your bike is stolen and recovered, the bike index serves as:
A way to connect stolen property
A record of what was stolen, for insurance or police report purposes.
Locks
We have U-lock bike locks that we buy wholesale. We sell them for about $10-12, depending on the model. Normal retail price is usually $20-$40.
We have seen that bike theft is common. Inexpensive locks can be cut easily in less than 10 seconds. We have seen bikes stolen from the library in less than 60 seconds. Bikes are stolen from all neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, recovering stolen bikes is not common and not a high police priority.
Report a theft to Topeka Police Department
You can report a theft online. It takes about 10-20 minutes.
https://services.topeka.org/Departments/Police/File-a-Police-Report/#online
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