With the inevitable end of summer fast approaching, the children of Gibbsboro are gearing up for the start of the 2011-2012 school year.  Many parents and students are buying school supplies, school clothes and other items they may need for the new school year.  Some of the children are excited for the new school year because it means reconnecting and catching up with friends that they have not seen throughout the summer.  Students could also be excited because they will be meeting new friends and facing new educational challenges this upcoming year.   Many students, however, are not thinking about their safety, particularly bike safety, which may be a means of transportation to and from school.

The weather is still warm during the first few weeks of school therefore; some students may enjoy riding their bike rather than walking or getting a ride.  Riding a bike to school can be a convenient mode of transportation as well as an enjoyable way to get to and from school.  Although riding a bike is fun, it can also be dangerous if the proper safety measures are not taken.  Below are a few rules that both parents and children should know to ensure the safety of the rider.

                The New Jersey law states that anyone under the age of 17 must wear a helmet while riding a bike.   Although those over 17 are not required to wear a helmet while riding a bike, it is highly recommended by the Gibbsboro police department that everyone wear a helmet for their safety.  This recommendation is made strictly for safety reasons since your head is the most important part of your body and needs to be protected.  

                There are a few New Jersey laws regarding bicycles that people may not be aware of.  New Jersey law states that all persons riding a bike are to ride with the flow of traffic, on the right hand side of the road and follow all traffic signals such as stopping at stop signs and red lights.  Another bicycle law not known to most people is that each bike is to be equipped with a front and rear light in addition to the bike's reflectors.  The law also states that every bike be equipped with an audible device such as a bell or a horn, that allows others as well as cars know that you are there.

                Parents please remind your children to make sure that they cross all streets at the cross walk or where there is a crossing guard present.  It is important that they look both ways when crossing, even if being crossed by a crossing guard.  Remember to lock their bikes up with a chain and lock during school hours and any time the bike is unattended. 

     If you have any questions regarding bike laws please feel free to contact the Gibbsboro police department at 856-783-0151 with your questions or concerns. To all students, please be safe with your commute to and from school whether it be by foot or bike and good luck in the 2011-2012 school year.    

Gibbsboro Police Department