BICYCLE SAFETY 

New Jersey has a Bicycle Helmet Law, which went into effect as of March 1, 2006. People under the age of 17 now must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, roller skating, in-line skating and skateboarding.  The previous law only applied to children 14 years of age and younger. We recommend that all people participating in the above activities, as well as scooter riding, wear a helmet, regardless of age, both for their protection and to set an example for the younger children.

According to the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, many bicyclists are injured or killed each year in New Jersey due to bicycle crashes. Some of these involve motor vehicles; others do not. Head injuries are the most serious and the most common cause of death in bicycling injuries, especially if there is brain injury.

Regular helmet use would protect from and prevent these types of injuries. Helmets should meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Make sure the helmet fits properly and is worn properly by having the chin strap tight enough to keep the helmet from slipping. The helmet should be placed directly over the forehead and only two fingers should fit under the chinstrap.

Bicyclists should also obey traffic laws and make sure their bikes are in good working order. They should also ride within their own abilities, not do stunts or tricks, never ride with an extra person on the bike and never "hitch" rides by holding onto moving vehicles.



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