Editor’s note: This is the second of an occasional column written by Neighbors in Motion (NIM), a Mercer Island organization dedicated to improving and increasing bicycling and walking on MI. You may contact NIM at: Board@NeighborsinMotion.org. These columns focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety, rules and courtesy with the goal of making our roads safer for everyone.

Q. I’d like my child to bike or walk to grade school but it seems unsafe. Any ideas?

A. Many parents have expressed concern about getting their children to school safely. NIM members are parents as well, and we have concerns about kids being able to walk and ride bikes safely. NIM has been working with PTSAs, the City Council and city staff to designate a safe route from the south end playfields to Town Center. This follows and builds on years of work and grants by prior parents’ groups working with the national Safe Routes to Schools program. The route goes close to the elementary and middle schools and avoids Island Crest Way to the extent possible. There are, however, two “missing links” — along ICW from the mailboxes south to Southeast 62nd Street, and along Southeast 40th Street between ICW and Southeast 86th Street — which are problematic. NIM is working on ways to overcome these issues. We welcome any suggestions the community might have.

Q. Is a cyclist required to wear a helmet?

A. Yes, although it is rare for a cyclist to be cited for riding without a helmet. The law requiring helmet use by all cyclists is in the King County Board of Health Code. BOH 9.10.010(A). NIM strongly recommends all cyclists to wear helmets at all times. Although the risk of head injury from cycling is small, the consequences are tragic if the cyclists experiences that type of fall.

Q. Can a cyclist be cited for “BUI” (“biking under the influence”)?

A. No. There is no legal prohibition of cycling drunk. Cycling intoxicated appears to be an unpleasant enough activity that it is not widely done. Let’s hope it stays that way. A police officer encountering a drunk cyclist can impound his/her bicycle, but an impoundment fee may not be charged. The officer can offer to take the cyclist to a safe place but the cyclist may legally decline the offer. RCW 46.61.790.

Q. My bicycle has been lost or stolen. What should I do?

A. First, before it is lost or stolen, record the serial number of all your bikes. The serial number is almost always stamped on the bottom of the bike near the pedals. The serial number will help law enforcement immensely in returning the property. Also, record the serial number with Project 529.com, a high-tech anti-bike-theft website started by a former Microsoft guru. Another option is to attach to the bike a GPS locator like “Tile” so that you can track your bike if it is missing.

If you think your bike was stolen, report the theft to the MIPD at 425-577-5656. It may also be worthwhile to check with Evidence Specialist Kelly Donnelly at MIPD. She can relatively easily check her inventory and determine if it is in her possession and arrange to get it returned to you. Finally, check the Project 529 website to see if there is any record of the bike. If these options do not work, check Craigslist and Ebay to see if the thief or a fence is attempting to sell it. Unfortunately, re-selling stolen bikes is a major profit center for some thieves.

The NIM Steering Committee includes James Stanton, Robert Olson, Mark Clausen, Jeff Koontz and Kirk Griffin.