Sergeant Skinner of the Newnan Police Department opened a brief safety briefing for riders on the city's Link multi-use path and public roadways, saying the department wanted to reinforce basic rules and etiquette to reduce crashes and conflicts. "We're gonna talk a little bit today about bike safety and etiquette when riding through the city of Newnan," he said.

The officers front-loaded the guidance: slow down and keep a clear path on the Link because pedestrians, animals and debris increase the likelihood of an accident. Officer Brown advised riders to signal when passing, either by saying "On your left" or by using a bell. "On your left," Brown said as an example of an appropriate audible warning.

Riders should stay to the right on the Link so people traveling in both directions have adequate room, the officers said. When the Link crosses roadways, Sergeant Skinner told riders to come to a complete stop, check for traffic and use the crosswalk button provided before proceeding cautiously.

The department reminded cyclists that when they ride on the roadway they are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules as drivers, including obeying stop signs and red lights and signaling turns. "When traveling down the road on your bicycle, please do so on the right hand side of the road as if you were a car and to signal your intentions to any around you," Skinner said.

Officer Brown also urged protective gear: "If you're under the age of 16, remember to wear your helmet. It's the law," he said; the officers did not provide a statute number. They asked riders to keep the path clean by using designated trash cans and to report hazards or suspicious activity to emergency services. "See something, say something," Sergeant Skinner said, urging calls or texts to 911.

There were no policy changes or votes in the briefing; it was an informational presentation aimed at reminding residents and visitors of safety practices and the existing helmet requirement for younger riders. The officers closed the message by thanking listeners and encouraging safe, courteous use of the Link and the city's streets.