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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2020 9 By Theresa Rossetti, Resident With cooler weather, there's a good chance those in the community who own bicycles are raring to take to the streets to enjoy the breeze, get some exercise and see what (or who) is new in our neighborhood. We received a suggestion that The View review some of the do's and don'ts of the road as far as bikes are concerned, especially now that our streets are public and belong to the city of Hemet. The California DMV rules state that bicyclists have the same responsibilities as vehicles and motorcyclists. These include obeying all traffic signs and lights, riding in the same direction as traffic, yielding to pedestrians, staying visible, riding near the right curb and not riding on the sidewalk. It is illegal to wear in-ear headphones in both ears while cycling. If riding after dark or before sunrise, your bike should have a front lamp, rear reflectors, reflectors on the pedals and you should wear light colored clothing. The city website states that bicycles should not be parked on the sidewalk. Some DMV and Hemet rules do not apply to residents but may apply to grandkids. Those under 18 must wear helmets and those under 12 may ride on the sidewalk. Some helpful tips from the DMV for your safety suggest taking care when biking past a parked car (someone may be exiting the driver's side and would not see you) and, although it is not mandatory, wearing a helmet. Larry McGary, contact person for our Hiking & Biking Group, suggests that anyone riding a bike make sure the bike is in good working order, tires are inflated properly and the seat and handlebars adjusted to you (not necessarily how it was when you bought it). Larry and fellow SDV resident Bob Banks have offered to help us with our bikes. You can reach Larry at (951) 536-2959 or Bob at (541) 678-3561. Thanks to both of them for this, a perfect example of supporting our community. Hemet also has a bike shop, aptly named Hemet Bike Shop, in case you're interested in getting into pedaling. Pedaling Bike Safety By Clare Mendez, Secretary for the Veterans and Friends Club The Veterans and Friends Club would like to thank the Solera residents once again for making the Club so successful this past year. In total the Club donated approximately $15,000 worth of items to local Veterans organizations in 2019 with money raised at the Pancake Breakfast, the Memorial Day Event, the Fourth of July, and the Car Show. Our largest donation was made possible by Club member and Veteran, Dennis Haffeman, who made it his mission to reach out to Fender Guitar, and together with the Veterans and Friends Club donated an estimated $5,000 worth of equipment to the VA-Loma Linda music department. We were proud to deliver eight guitars, an amplifier, and supplies for the Music Therapy Program which works in conjunction with "Guitars for Veterans." Music therapy helps comfort many Veterans with PTSD and builds camaraderie. Anyone can be a member of the Veterans and Friends Club here at Solera. We meet in the Lodge on the second Thursday of each month to plan and discuss the upcoming events. We're a welcoming bunch, and hope to see you there Music to our Ears