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"The City Charter of 1851 organized the Erie Police Department. In 1856, the Erie Police Department consisted of the Chief of Police and three patrolmen. By 1888, the compliment grew to 25 Officers, who walked foot patrols throughout the City of Erie. There was one horse drawn wagon, which was used to transport prisoners. Some officers used bicycles to patrol the City of Erie and were called "Roundsmen"."

Leerone Nesmith said he sometimes finds sharing the road to be a bit of a squeeze. Nesmith, 66, of Erie, rides his bicycle every day, weather permitting, and said he is occasionally overtaken by motor vehicles that come too close to him when they pass. "It can be a little nerve-racking. You have to keep watching traffic real close," he said. Changes to Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code that took effect a year ago require motorists to stay at least 4 feet from bicyclists when passing them on the road. Nesmith said he's familiar with the new law but doesn't believe everyone is aware of the changes. "Some come pretty close to you," said Nesmith, who has never been in an accident while riding his bike. The education continues as the Erie region heads into a new bike-riding season. Sgt. Jeff Annunziata, a traffic investigator with the Erie Bureau of Police, said he first heard of the law change from a citizen and learned more about it later during police updates. Annunziata said he's not sure the newly designated passing "buffer" will help much in cutting down accidents involving bicycles and other vehicles. The biggest problems Annunziata says he sees are motorists not paying attention to bicyclists, and bicyclists not paying attention to other traffic and not knowing the rules of the road. "The avid bike riders absolutely know the rules, but others don't," he said. "Probably 90 percent of the accidents involving bikes in the city are probably caused by bike riders not paying attention." The bulk of the attention given to the vehicle code changes adopted under Act 3 of 2012, signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in February 2012, centered on the distance vehicles must stay from bicyclists when passing. It's the greatest distance established by any of the 25 states that have specific distance requirements in their traffic laws. Two states have distance requirements of at least 2 feet, while 22 require a distance of at least 3 feet, according to data compiled by the League of Am

There are over 110 bike collectives and co-ops in the United States and Canada. This is a list of them. There are currently five in PA - the closest is Free Ride in Pittsburgh.

In Meadville

Help your child develop independent bike-riding skills on a two-wheeler. Ready, Set, Ride! is an innovative program that helps youngsters learn to ride a two-wheeler bicycle. It is held on four consecutive weekends during the summer in Erie and Warren. The program was developed for children with special needs, but is open to any child who is able to pedal and steer a bike but has not yet been successful in learning to ride without training wheels. It is ideal for youngsters with: Autism Down syndrome Mild cerebral palsy Sensory issues Behavioral issues Children should be at least seven years old and have a bike and helmet. A limited number are also available for use. The cost of the program is $90, but may be covered through an FSS allocation. Scholarships are also available. Ready, Set, Ride! sessions will be held: Erie: Saturdays, July 16, 23, 30, and August 6; 9-10 a.m. and 10:15-11:15 a.m. ; BNI West parking lot. Warren: Sundays, August 7, 14, 21, and 28. 9 - 10 a.m. and 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.; Warren YMCA, 212 Lexington Avenue, Warren, pa 16365 For more information about Ready, Set, Ride!, call (814) 874-5671.