Toms River Teens' Informal Bike Rides Prompt Safety Reminders

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River police are urging parents to talk to their kids about bicycle safety after receiving repeated complaints about the behavior of some bicyclists.

The incidents have happened in conjunction with postings on Instagram under a group called "NJ Bike Life," police said in a post on the department's Facebook page.

"This group has been forming 'ride outs' from various locations in town encouraging large groups of adolescent cyclists to congregate for the purpose of informal group rides," the post said. "While the police department encourages fun and harmless activities, some members of this group have unfortunately caused a nuisance on local roadways by intentionally blocking or even stopping vehicular traffic."

The incidents don't involve all of the cyclists who have joined the ride outs, police said, but the antics of those who have deliberately blocked traffic have led to numerous complaints over the past few weeks, particularly in the Bellcrest and Silverton sections.

As a result, the township's police officers have been told to strictly enforce state laws and local ordinances where members of the group are witnessed "engaged in any hazardous behavior."

"This may include a summons and/or impoundment of the bicycle when warranted," the post said.

Police are issuing tickets to teenagers who are not wearing bicycle helmets, which are required to be worn by anyone age 17 or younger under state law.

"Parents, please speak with your children about bicycle safety and the dangers of riding too close to cars, as well as, not wearing a helmet," the post said. "We love that the kids are outside having fun, we just want to make sure everyone is safe."

On the Instagram account, one of the teens who has participated in the bike rides said the kids have been targeted by some adults.

"These parents keep saying we curse at them and swerve (at) cars, you tell us to grow up but almost every day there is an adult that either, curses at us, throws large objects at us, or spits at us through their window."

"We are just trying to have a fun rest of summer," the teen wrote.

The group has posted videos to the Instagram account and to YouTube, showing kids riding, performing tricks and hanging out.

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