Politics & Government

Borough Of Middlesex: Message From Mayor Madden: An Important Primer On Biking Safety

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Press release from the Borough of Middlesex:

August 30, 2021

Title 39:4-10.1. The Helmet Law of New Jersey 

  • 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).  

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  • 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). 

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  • 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. 

    This press release was produced by the Borough of Middlesex. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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