In the wake of three fatal motorcycle crashes in Bridgeport this year, Bridgeport police are urging riders to know the rules of the road - and to always put safety first.

That message comes two days after a Staples High School senior was killed when his dirt bike collided with a dump truck in Westport Wednesday.

"Wear your helmet and get the proper training," said Officer Andrew Orum Friday.

"You can go on the Connecticut DMV website and learn how to get your license endorsement for whatever [2-wheel motorized] bike you're driving, so you can drive on the road safely and legally," Orum said.

Thirty-year-old John Zayas, of Bridgeport, agrees that proper training is key to riding safely.

"My brother was hit and killed while riding his motorcycle two years ago, and I myself was critically injured when I was hit by another vehicle while riding my own bike," Zayas said.

Police say riders should always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, along with reflective clothing and protective riding gear.