As gas prices increase, so are the numbers of people pedaling to save money.

And with those additional bike riders on the streets, police say it could cause some confusion on the rules and regulations of the road.

It’s as easy as riding a bike, well, remembering the rules of bike riding isn't always that easy.

But, if done correctly, police say it could save your life -- or at least prevent you from getting a ticket.

Eau Claire Police Officer Jeryl Vonderheid says, "You need to obey the rules of the road and obviously we see bicyclists drive right through stop signs without making any attempt to stop, and that is a violation. Bicycles are not exempt from that rule of stop signs."

When riding on sidewalks, Officer Jeryl Vonderheid says bikers need to yield to pedestrians, and give them a heads up when you're approaching them.

Jeryl Vonderheid says, "There are certain areas in the city, Water Street and some areas in the downtown area, Barstow Street, that do not allow bicycles on sidewalks."

...And, if you're on a busy roadway, make sure you give other vehicles a chance to get around you.

Jeryl Vonderheid says, "You need to ride as close as applicable to the right hand side of the roadway and you can't impede the flow of traffic if you're taking up a lane."

Even if you follow all of these rules, police say you need to make sure you're still aware of your surroundings.

Jeryl Vonderheid says, "Even if you're in the right away with a vehicle, you're probably going to come on the losing end of it when hit by a vehicle. Just be more cautious around vehicles."

One bike rider says she feels it's important to learn the rules of the road.

Heidi Arciszewski says, "It's very valuable to know all the rules and safety."

Jeryl Vonderheid says, "You don't want to be the one whether it's your own fault or the bike's. To hit one and live with the consequences.

Vonderheid says although it's not a law, it's important for kids and adults to wear a helmet while biking.

If you're in a crash, police say that simple piece of safety equipment can help save your life.

According to the Department of Transportation, in 2006, the average age of bikers killed was 41-years-old.