BICYCLE SAFETY

Wear a helmet - its the law.

In New Jersey, the law states that anyone under the age of seventeen (17) riding a bike, even a passenger, must be wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.  A child who violates this law will be warned of the violation and the parent or guardian may be fined up to $25 for the first offense and up to $100 for a subsequent offense.

Use a horn or bell - its the law.

In New Jersey, the law requires that all bicycles be equipped with a horn or bell.  Use this equipment to alert drivers and pedestrians of your presence.

Riding at night, you need lights - its the law.

In New Jersey, the law requires that bicycles be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light on the rear when in use during nighttime hours.

Be Safe Be Seen

Bicyclists should wear bright colored or reflective clothing to make themselves more visible. 

Ride on the Right

Always ride on the right side of the road, with the traffic.  Ride single file in a straight, predictable path.  Riding againt traffic puts you where motorists don't expect you.

Obey traffic laws, signs and signals.

Bicycles are considered vehicles.  Bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists. 

Use Hand Signals

Like turn signals in a motor vehicle, hand signals convey your actions to others.  This is another reason why you ride on the right and use your left arm to signal.  Motorists behind you can clearly see your actions.

Yield to Pedestrians

Just like motorists, bicyclists should stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.  

Remember, good bicycle drivers become good motor vehicle drivers.

Link to Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Link to National Bicycle Safety Network