Safety is a Two-Way Street
As spring unfolds, longer daylight hours and warmer weather draw more people onto our roads – whether walking, cycling, or driving. With this surge in activity, both pedestrians and motorists must prioritize sharing the road. Notably, in 2023, statewide statistics show decreased pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Our mission is to sustain this positive trend. Discover below a set of essential tips to ensure your safety this spring while navigating New Jersey’s roads, whether you’re strolling, jogging, or cycling.
For Cyclists/ E-Scooters
- Use hand signals – so drivers and motorcyclists 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.
- Maintain your vehicle– salty, slushy roads can damage your bike or scooter. Wipe your vehicle down every ride to avoid rust and check your tire pressure.
For Pedestrians
- Use cross walks and cross at intersections – make eye contact with drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and scooters 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 vehicles – entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
- Be visible and minimize distractions.
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. Using lights will ensure that motorcyclists, cyclists, and scooter riders can see you.
- 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. This is crucial for your safety and the safety of motorcyclists, cyclists, delivery workers, scooter riders, and pedestrians who share the road with you.
175
pedestrians killed on NJ roadways in 2023
47.5
million people in the U.S. ride their bike annually
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. When activated, the brake pad should rest against your rim and not be loose.
- Check your tires for wear.Inspect the tread for bald tires and cracks, and properly inflate. The proper inflation range is listed on the side of the tire. If you can’t read this anymore – it is time for new tires!
- Examine your wheels –make sure your wheels are mounted correctly 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 chainwith soap, water, or a cleaning agent. Once it is dry, put a light oil on it to prevent rust, and it is also essential 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 it if necessary.
- Take your bike to your local bike shop for a thorough tune-up!
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:
Youth, under the age of 17
are required to wear an approved helmet in NJ
when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding.
The NJ Safe Passing Law
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
Share the Road
As a motorist, be mindful of pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections as well as in downtown areas where pedestrians tend to cross.
When driving always keep your eyes open for different types of pedestrians including:
- Children – especially near schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods
- Motorcyclists
- Dog walkers
- Skateboarders and scooter riders
- Runners and walkers
- Bicyclists
- Seniors and others with assistive devices such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs
- Workers
- School crossing guards
