CROWLEY - During the summer, more and more people have started using bicycles and/or walking places.

Thus, the Crowley Police Department recently released a statement reminding everyone of the laws pertaining to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Crowley Police Chief K.P. Gibson said in the release that a recent conversation with a friend led him to feel the city needed a reminder.

“The important part of our time together was the concern we both share for the safety of our children and all citizens here in Crowley. I was asked to inform the public about the laws regarding pedestrian and bicycles on roadways,” he said.

According to state law R.S. 32:216, pedestrians are required to walk on sidewalks where they are provided. When there is no sidewalk provided, pedestrians shall walk on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic. If a shoulder is available, it should be utilized.

And, according to La. R.S. 32:197, bicyle riders are required to operate their bicycles on the right side of the roadway, traveling with the flow of traffic. All bicyclist are required to follow the same laws as drivers of a motor vehicle. This means stopping for traffic lights, stop signs, etc.

A recent 15-year status report by bicyclinginfo.org and walkinginfo.org, two websites serving as pedestrian and bicycle information centers, detailed trends and changes in bicycling and walking since the publishing of the National Bicycling and Walking Study in 1994, showed that fatalities in 2008 for bicyclists went down from 2007 to 716, while pedestrian fatalities decreased to 4,378. And, while the numbers include things such as not wearing a helmet while riding and walking/riding while intoxicated, the numbers are still alarming.

“Please take a moment to discuss these laws with your children to avoid potential serious accidents,” said Gibson.