If you're riding a bike, you should be wearing a helmet. That's the message from the Queen Charlotte RCMP Sgt. Rob Knapton, who says it seems more and more islanders aren't complying with the helmet law, and police will be enforcing it more strictly from now on.Sgt. Knapton said cyclists found without helmets could be forced to dismount and walk their bikes, or given a ticket. If they are under the age of 16, they may be brought home to their parents, and their parents could be issued a ticket.Police will be conducting targeted checks on cyclists to make sure they have helmets, as per section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, he said.It's especially important for adults to wear helmets to set an example for younger bike riders, he added.Now that it's winter, with low light and heavy rain, Sgt. Knapton said, there are even more hazards on the road for cyclists to beware of."All cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings and always ride in single file with the flow of traffic, and not against," he said. "When riding at night, head and tail lights are also a motor vehicle act requirements, as well, high visibility clothing is a good idea."