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High gas prices have prompted people nationwide to opt for two-wheel, human-powered transportation.
Some have kicked that up a notch by installing small gasoline engines on their bicycles.
These motorized bikes do save gas and are easier than pedaling.
Just one small problem — they’re illegal in Wisconsin.
“Any motorized vehicle operated on public streets must be registered and equipped with working traffic safety devices, such as lights, turn signals and a horn,” said Prairie du Chien police Chief Michael King.
Operating such vehicles on streets or sidewalks could mean serious fines for the rider, King warned.
Devin Curran of Smith’s Cycling and Fitness, 125 N. Seventh St., said the small engine installation is a do-it-yourself job involving a kit available on the Internet.
“We’ve had a bunch of people come in and ask us about it, but we don’t sell or install them,” Curran said.
The kits are designed to install the engine in the triangle portion of the bike’s frame, with either a flywheel that comes in contact with the rear wheel or a mechanism to drive the chain, Curran said.
“We prefer to promote the use of leg power,” Curran said.
The growing number of cyclists and the return of college students to the area make this an ideal time to become familiar with the rules of the road, La Crosse police Officer Drew Gavrilos said.
“I can say that I see on a daily basis — and most complaints we receive are for — bicyclists failing to obey signs or signals,” Gavrilos said. “You can’t drive anywhere downtown or beyond without seeing a person on a bike disregard stop signs, four-way stops or red lights. You see them cruising up to the intersection, look both ways or not look at all and go through.”
With daylight hours becoming shorter, Gavrilos said bicyclists need to remember they must have lights on their bikes if they ride after dark, even if it is just taping a flashlight to the handle bars.
Those new to La Crosse should know it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in the downtown area and Old Towne North, Gavrilos said.
