We’re currently in the thick of bicycle season in Iowa, and at least in Perry, that has led to a recent rash of bike thefts around the City.

Police Chief Eric Vaughn says this type of criminal activity isn’t uncommon during the summer, but he emphasizes there are things people should do to protect their bicycles. “(We) want to encourage everyone, if you’re going someplace, make sure you lock up your bike — at the (McCreary) Rec Center, at the library, that type of thing. If you’re coming back home from a day of riding, make sure you put that bike away if you can — in your garage or in your home — or lock it up if you have a place outside to do so.”

Vaughn believes a contributing factor is there’s more bike riders active right now, and bike thefts have gone up proportionately as a result. With increased bicycle activity, that also typically leads to an increase in accidents. With that in mind, Vaughn reminds motorists to be mindful of riders this time of year. “On the streets themselves, we have so many people out on their bicycles in town, whether they’re just used for transportation or fun for the kids, we need to watch out for those. Especially the young ones who don’t really always follow the rules, maybe they don’t stop when they cross the street, or not looking when they come out of the driveway. So we just need to be a little more watchful of those kids.”

Vaughn adds, bicyclists need to take some responsibility for their own safety and observe all the rules of the road.