Safety is a Two-Way Street
During the spring months, there are longer day light hours and warmer weather resulting in more people walking, cycling, and driving on our roadways. With this increase of traffic, it is important for pedestrians and motorists to focus on sharing the road. In 2022, the number of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities have increased statewide. We want to change that and help you be safe this spring when walking, running or cycling in New Jersey.
For Cyclists
- Use hand signals – so vehicles know which direction you are headed.
- Use lights – NJ requires a white light on the front and red light on the back when riding at night.
- Wear a helmet – state law requires anyone under 17 to wear a helmet.
- Obey all traffic laws– keep right, stop at red lights, and stop signs.
For Pedestrians
- Use cross walks and cross at intersections – make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
- Use sidewalks when available – if not stay close to the curb and walk facing traffic.
- Obey WALK/DON’T WALK signs
- Watch for cars – entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
For Everyone
- Cross the street in a well-lit area – under streetlights or near crosswalks if available. If not, use your phone as a flashlight and cross at corners.
- Dress to be seen – wear bright reflective clothing and use blinking lights when out at night.
- Avoid being distracted – by your phone and wearing headphones, especially when crossing.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs – it can slow your reaction time and alter your balance when riding or walking.
47.5
million people in the US ride their bike annually
193
pedestrians killed on NJ roadways in 2022
5
is the average age when most kids learn to ride a bike
Spring Safety Check-up
5 Tips to Get Your Bike Ready for Spring
While we’ve been waiting for the cold winter weather to end so have our bikes! Is your bike ready to take on the warmer weather? Most of our bikes have spent the last few months tucked away in the garage. Make sure you give your bike the proper tune up before you take it out on the road this spring. These 5 simple safety tips are essential for all riders to ensure a safe spring ride.
- Inspect your brakes- check for wear on the brake pads and replace if necessary. The brake pad should rest against your rim when activated and should not be loose.
- Check your tires for wear. Look at the tread, inspect for bald tires and cracks and properly inflate. Proper inflation range is listed on the side of the tire, if you can’t read this anymore – it is time for some new tires!
- Check your wheels– make sure your wheels are mounted properly and on straight. Spin the wheel to see if it has any wobbles or hops and listen for brake pad rubbing.
- Clean and lube your chain– clean it off with soap and water or a cleaning agent. Once it is dry put a light oil on it to prevent rust. It is also important to make sure the chain is not loose.
- Seat check- This is especially important for kids. Make sure the height of the seat is still appropriate for them and adjust if necessary.
- For a thorough tune up, take your bike to your local bike shop!
While injuries can happen anywhere, be especially cautious when riding on roadways where most bicycle-motor vehicle collisions occur. Follow these tips:
- Always wear an approved bicycle helmet (head injuries are the greatest risks for cyclists!)
- Obey all the traffic laws and use hand signals so vehicles know where you are headed
- Wear protective and reflective clothing for best visibility
- Make sure your bicycle has a headlamp if riding at night
- Keep your eyes and ears open – avoid using headphones and smartphones
Wearing a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash is a no brainer. But wait! Before you strap on that helmet on yourself or a child, make sure your helmet:
- Is designed for your activity (bicycle helmets are different than those for skateboarding/rollerblading)
- Fits properly
- Does not have any cracks or defects
- Has a SNELL or ASTM seal of approval on it.
- Is replaced every 3-5 years
Check out these brochures to learn more about bike safety for you and your kids:
FACT:
75% of pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark. Be extra cautious when walking at night.
The NJ Safe Passing Law went into effect on March 1, 2022 and requires drivers to slow down and move over for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable roadway users. Learn more here.
- Drivers must move over a lane if possible (while following existing laws).
- Drivers must provide a distance of at least 4 feet when passing vulnerable road users. Otherwise, drivers must slow to 25mph and be prepared to stop until they can pass safely.
- The penalty for this law is a $100 fine ($500 if bodily injury) and two points on your driving record.
As a motorist, be mindful of pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections as well as in downtown areas where pedestrians tend to jaywalk – randomly crossing in the middle of a block or in crowded areas and event venues.
When driving always keep your eyes open for different types of pedestrians, including:
- Children – especially near schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods
- Dog walkers
- Skateboarders
- Runners and walkers
- Bicyclists
- Seniors and others with assistive devices such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs
- Workers
- School crossing guards
Whether you have kids you bring to school or you are just passing by one, parents and motorists have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of children and teens, “student pedestrians” – especially in school zones! Stay alert and following these safety tips:
- Use designated drop-off and pick-up areas and do not cross lanes to pass.
- Obey the posted speed limits (25mph or lower in some areas)
- Watch for students crossing outside the designated areas (especially when they are running late!)
- Look for and obey crossing guards directing students and traffic
- Don’t forget, students may be wearing headphones or using smartphones while walking.
Parents: Learn more about school zone safety for your kids >
From construction workers to landscapers — lots of people work on and near roadways. Make sure you “Give them a Brake” by slowing down and allowing space for them to work safely. In many cases these workers are using equipment that may prevent them from hearing vehicles coming. Keep your eyes out for:
- Sanitation workers
- Landscapers
- Tow-truck operators
- Police & Emergency Responders
- Crossing guards
- Utility workers
- Construction workers
- Mail/package carriers
