The weather has been sunny and students have been out and about on their bikes. But, local authorities warn, students need to watch out where they ride.

It is against the law in Athens to ride a bike, skateboard or rollerskate Uptown, or to ride on College Green or take a bike into an Ohio University building.The students who choose to cross College Green on their way to class could find themselves paying fines.

An OUPD officer will issue a citation, a fine of $10, if the person rides on College Green or takes a bike into a building. If a person is riding on the road and commits a traffic violation, he or she could be issued a state violation, Russell said.

The Athens Police Department gives people citations who are caught riding on an Uptown sidewalk.

"We tried to warn them," APD Lt. Ernie Antle said. "But you can warn somebody and they'll go down half a block and get back on and start pedaling. We've found that the warnings aren't very effective."

Antle said the main concern is pedestrians. The ordinance outlawing bikes Uptown started because people carelessly rode bikes and were causing problems with Uptown pedestrians.

The bicyclists on the roads are not a problem as long as they are aware of their surroundings and pay attention to where they are riding, Russell said.

Bike owners have mixed opinions.

"It's not that big of a deal," OU freshman Mike Stuart said. "As long as you are careful on the streets, nothing's wrong with the laws."

But freshman Nicole Rummer said she does not see the point in bringing a bike to school if she cannot ride it certain places.