Ride on, bike lovers.

Despite rumors, bike riding is allowed on sidewalks in the City of DeKalb with one exception.

Lt. Carl Leoni, head of the patrol division of the DeKalb Police Department, said although bike riding on sidewalks is not illegal in the City of DeKalb, it is prohibited to roller skate, skateboard or bike ride in the downtown business district between Pearl and Eighth streets.

The fine for roller skating, bike riding or skateboarding can range from no less than $35 and no more than $100, according to Chapter 42 of the Municipal Code of the city of DeKalb.

“Really, the main problem is between First and Fourth streets,” Leoni said.

This should not deter people from bringing bikes through town.

People are just asked to walk their bikes rather than ride them, Lenoi said.

Local businesses have not seen any changes in business due to this law.

“I don’t think it’s affected us at all,” said Scott Morrow, owner of Tommy O’s Family Restaurant, 122 E. Lincoln Highway.

Ariel Ries, owner of Small Town Skate Shop, 229 E. Lincoln Highway, said that her store has also not been affected by the law but believes the City of DeKalb should have a bike lane in the streets.

“I want to see people on their bikes,” Ries said.

Ries believes a bike lane would encourage more students to take their bikes to school rather than driving a car, which would help save the environment.

Geography graduate student Melissa Burlingame agrees with Ries.

“I think that if we’re dedicated to going green on campus and in town, a bike lane is needed,” Burlingame said.

“I think it [a bike lane] should be a priority in DeKalb,” Ries said.

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