Currently, there are more than 17,000 bicycles registered in the City of Fond du Lac. It is unlawful for any person residing in the City of Fond du Lac to operate a bicycle upon any street, sidewalk, or other public place in the city without having first registered such bicycle and secured a license plate visible from the rear. The operator now has the option of placing a registration sticker on the bicycle instead of the plate.

Application for a license may be made at any Fond du Lac bicycle specialty store or the City Clerks Office. The cost of a license is $10.00 and is non-expiring. Should you sell the bike, retain the license plate for transfer to your new bike. The transfer fee is $3.00. If you have a registration sticker and then sell the bike, leave the sticker on the bike and the new owner is then responsible for transferring the registration by paying a $3.00 fee. It is important to have your bicycle registered. In the event your bicycle is stolen, it assists the police department in returning your bicycle to you if it is recovered. Every year the police department auctions off hundreds of bikes because it cannot locate the owners.

The operator of a bicycle that violates a local ordinance may be issued a citation from a police officer. Youths 12 and 13 years of age can receive a $10.00 citation. Individuals 14 and over can receive a citation of $52.40 for a violation. Children under the age of 12 may receive a summons to appear in "Bicycle Court." The citation issued to the child must be signed by a parent when the child appears in Bicycle Court. The presiding officer will review the violation with the child and normally present the child with literature on bike safety and the rules of the road. The child may also be required to write an essay about bike safety.

Parents are encouraged to teach their children proper bicycle operation and safety rules. Lights and reflectors are required on all bicycles that operate after the hour of darkness. Helmets can help to prevent head injuries and all operators are encouraged to wear an approved helmet. Many parents have a child seat attached to their bikes. It is especially important that children riding in a child seat have an approved helmet to help reduce injury in case the bike tips over or is involved in an accident.

The Fond du Lac Police Department is dedicated in its desire to promote safe and fun bicycling. Officers are watching motorists and cyclists to ensure a safe environment for both. The Fond du Lac City Police have several police equipped bicycles for patrol use. The bike unit officers concentrate much of their efforts on bicycle violations. The Police School Liaison Officers have formed a youth bike club & safety patrol. The bike club is out during the summer months to promote safe cycling. You may contact the Fond du Lac City Police Department at 322-3700 if you have any questions concerning bicycle safety.

Where to obtain a bike license

info@fdlpolice.com

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