BAY MINETTE, Ala. — No cyclist- or pedestrian-related incidents have been reported in the past year, and the Bay Minette Police Department wants to keep residents safe during summer activities.

Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland said he hopes the city applies for more sidewalk grants once the economy has recovered, but for now, cyclist and pedestrian safety haven’t been an issue.

“We haven’t had a real problem with that,” he said in a telephone interview. “There were no incidents in the past year where a cyclist was struck, and we support cyclist activities.”

Oscar Waters, of the Bay Minette Building and Planning Commission, also said that the economy affects sidewalk projects.

“We’ve gotten grants to do the sidewalk work that we’ve done here in town,” he said in a telephone interview.

In the meantime, Rowland said that police are keeping an eye on cyclist and pedestrians to help keep them safe.

“The officers are cautious, and we try to watch them specifically and encourage them to use reflective vests and lights on their bikes so people can see them better,” he said.

As summer months approach, even more outdoor activities such as organized rides will occur.

One such ride will take place in Bay Minette on June 9, Rowland said.

The Ride Yellow event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation expects 750 riders and has held the cancer-charity fundraiser for the past three years, Rowland said.

A few weekends ago, Bay Minette saw 100 riders on a trek from Monroeville to Spanish Fort, he added.

“We do see a lot of people coming through town on longer rides,” he said.

For more information on cyclist and pedestrian safety, rides and sidewalk information, visit www.smartcoast.org.