Message from Mayor Madden: An Important Primer on Biking Safety
A recent motor vehicle incident occurred which involved a juvenile on a bicycle NOT wearing a helmet. The juvenile was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle was not injured, the bicyclist was very lucky. I am always concerned about the outcome of such an event especially when mandatory safety measures are often largely ignored or unrealized. Our society has experienced so many “distractions” with having to undertake new considerations and consequential decisions on living, learning, socialization and the list goes on.
Yes, we are still in the throes of waves of the Covid-19 variants, masking policies for our school – age children and teachers, vaccinations for the younger groups and the unvaccinated as a start. Let’s throw into this mix some environmental “gems” like the ecological problems at our Lake, the poor air quality due to the hot and steamy weather the past weeks and now the spotted lanternfly which have invaded our gardens, plants and trees. So one may ask, “what would life be without challenges?”
Despite all these challenges, we must always keep in mind important safety laws that have been on the books for decades. Unfortunately when I was growing up we never had such laws. Many lives would have been saved with these safety laws. The take away here is the idea of awareness and some common sense.
Title 39:4-10.1. The Helmet Law of New Jersey
This State Statute deals specifically with bicycling in conjunction with traffic regulations.
Any two wheeled vehicle having a rear drive and strictly human powered including a minimum seat height of 26 inches (in the lowest adjustable position) is the statutory definition of a “bicycle.” Interesting enough is that the bicycle must be equipped with a bell or other audible devise that can be heard at least 100 feet away ( a siren or whistle are not allowed).
A brake must be equipped that can make wheels skid while stopping on dry, level and clean pavement.
Bicyclists must drive with feet on both pedals, while hands must be secured upon the handlebars (no “tricks or fancy driving” is allowed).
The number of passengers allowed is according to the number that the bicycle is designed and equipped to carry. (the number of seats).
Nighttime driving requires a bicycle to be equipped with (1) a front headlight emitting a white light visible from at least a distance of 600 feet to the rear (2) a red lamp with a red reflector may be mounted on the rear.
A bicyclist is granted all the rights of a motor vehicle driver. In addition said bicyclist is also subject to all duties of a motor vehicle driver.
The bicyclist must ride in the same direction as a motor vehicle.
Traveling two abreast when traffic is not impeded is allowed otherwise single file traveling must be observed.
The helmet law in New Jersey states that anyone under the age of 17 that rides a bicycle or is a passenger ( or towed as a passenger) must wear a safety helmet.
The Statute also is extended to include roller/inline skates and Skateboards.
All helmets must be properly fitted and fastened. The best head protection with a strong chin strap must be utilized. In addition, all helmets must meet the federal standards developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation’s Standard for Protection Headgear.
By observing all the safety regulations will greatly diminish the incidence of injury or death. With the increase of traffic and the unfortunate distraction of cell phones and earphones we all must be fully aware of our surroundings and anticipate any potential accidents. Please take an extra interest and be cautious of our bicycling public. Remember school is starting soon so take heed of the rules of the road.
Thank you.
Mayor John L. Madden