State of New Jersey

Young people under the age of 17 are required to wear an approved helmet when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety assists county, municipal and law enforcement agencies with education, public awareness and enforcement of the bicycle helmet law and other bicycle safety issues.

Each year, bicyclists are killed or injured in New Jersey due to bicycle crashes. Many bicycle deaths result from bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. However, injuries can happen anywhere, including parks, bike paths and driveways, and often do not involve motor vehicles.

Head injury is the most serious injury type and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. The most severe injuries are those to the brain that cause permanent damage.

Safety Tips for Bicycle Riders:

Obey all traffic laws. In New Jersey, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
ride on the right

obey all signals

ride single file

ride with traffic

Wear an approved bicycle helmet.

make sure the helmet fits properly (see details in: "Helmet Tips for Bicycle Riders")

Make sure your bicycle fits you and is in good working order. Inspect the following before each ride to make sure your bicycle is in good working order:
tires/wheels

brakes

chain

lights

reflectors

bell

spare inner tube and tire levers/irons

Wear comfortable reflective clothing conducive to weather conditions (not too baggy)

Ride within your abilities
avoid busy streets

ride a properly sized bicycle

Do not:

	attempt stunts or tricks
	brakes ride with more people on the bike than it is designed to accommodate
	"hitch" rides by holding on to moving vehicles
	weave in and out of traffic, or between cars
	carry loads unless equipped with proper baskets or panniers
	ride against traffic
	ride at night with out lights

Helmet Tips for Bicycle Riders:
	Buy a helmet that meets the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation

	Always ensure a proper fit by tightening the chin strap to keep the helmet from slipping. Only two fingers should fit under the chin strap.

	Place the helmet directly over the forehead.

	Adults should wear a helmet too, to set the right example for children.

Links:

	U Got Brains? - Developed by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey for teens, this edgy web site explores the causes and consequences of brain injuries in graphic detail. (Warning: this site contains strong graphic content that is not appropriate for children and may be upsetting to some viewers.)

	NJ Walks and Bikes - Bicycle and Pedestrian Newsletter

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