WARM DAYS LURE OUT BICYCLISTS.

Byline: Kevin F. Sherry Daily News Staff Writer

The recent warm weather has lured bicyclists to the street and motorists to the comfort of their air-conditioned cars, prompting police to remind everyone to observe the rules of the road.

Motorists traveling with their car windows up and the radio and air conditioning blasting may be oblivious to cyclists, who may be hard to see as they buzz down local streets.

``I can see how often it's my defensiveness that keeps me from becoming somebody's hood ornament,'' said Simi Valley police Lt. Neal Rein. ``It's not a major epidemic by any means, but we want to keep it that way.''

Rein also reminded bicyclists they they need to observe the same traffic rules as vehicles, such as stopping for signals and yielding the right of way.

``The main thing is people don't realize they're supposed to ride in the same direction of traffic,'' Rein said. ``You don't look for the bicycle that's coming on the wrong side of the street. . . . That is the major cause of our traffic accidents regarding bicycles.''

Cyclists also should wear a helmet, though California law requires them only for bicyclists under 18.

``If you get in an accident or you get knocked over, you'll wish you had one,'' Rein said. ``The bicyclist is always the one who loses.''

Every year during the first few school months, Deputy Daniel Ambarian of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department runs the Safe And Fun Education campaign to teach children about pedestrian, skating and cycling safety.

Even cyclists who stick to sidewalks and parking lots need to be aware of traffic in their area, officials say. A number of young cyclists who set up driveway ramps have misjudged their landings and skidded into traffic, Ambarian said.

One way to help drivers is to wear bright colors, especially if the light is poor, Rein said.

``That's why those professional-type bikers wear those funny clothes,'' he said.

Both cyclists and motorists could stand to give a little ground and lose a little arrogance, said Bert Glennon, part owner of a Simi Valley bike shop.

``Bike riders tend to use the street as their domain,'' he said. On the other hand, ``a lot of people treat bike riders as a nuisance.''

The two camps should learn to respect each other on the road, Glennon said.

``A person on a push bike is as important as a person on a motor bike, is as important as a person in a car,'' he said.

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

Police offer the following bicycle safety tips:

Wear a helmet. Helmets are required for people under 18, but officials recommend them for adults, too.

Ride with the flow of traffic. Motorists pulling out of driveways often do not check for traffic headed toward them on the left side of a street.

Obey traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.

Wear colorful or reflective clothing, especially around dawn or dusk.

Use a light. They're mandatory when biking after dark.

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BOX: BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS (See text)