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CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. -- In the past few years, there’s been an increase in serious bicycle accidents in the Southern Tier. Since May is National Bike Safety Month, local law enforcement officials are hoping to get that number down.

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office and Elmira, Horseheads, and Elmira Heights police want bicyclists to know they can receive traffic tickets for disobeying New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws. During May, special details will be out enforcing these laws.

Officials said there are a number of common misconceptions about bike laws.

"Pedestrians go against traffic. Bicyclists go the same direction as traffic. And they also have the same right to make turns in turning lanes but they do have to stop for red lights and stop signs just like a motor vehicle does," said Lt. Douglas Houper, Chemung County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office is also reminding people under the age of 15 to wear helmets, and drivers to be aware of bicyclists and share the road with them.