It has been brought to our attention that kids are riding around town on their bicycles in the middle of the roads playing “chicken” with cars. This is occurring at all times of the day including in the evening when it’s dark outside. Most riders are not wearing helmets, do not have on proper footwear for bike riding, and do not have lighting on their bikes at night.
*Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 17 https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/bike.html. Attached you will find the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Statutes that can be written by a police officer for bicycle violations (for riders of any age). Yes, you are supposed to have an audible device on your bicycle. Yes, you are supposed to stop at red lights. You as a bicyclist must follow the same rules of the road as a motor vehicle, regardless of your age.
*While we do have the ability to use our discretion on these violations, there are those that we cannot just overlook if they occur in our presence. In addition, the Fairfield Police Department has zero tolerance for the “Wheelie Challenge.” *Parents, please talk to your children and educate them as well as everyone else who shares the road with cars. And drivers, remember that bicyclists have every right to be on the road with you also. *We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, however having the Fairfield Police ringing your doorbell because your child was injured in a bicycle accident because of a “Wheelie Challenge” would be a lot worse.
Below are links from AAA North Jersey in regards to some bike basics and safety tips: https://northeast.aaa.com/…/p…/community/AAA-Bike-Basics.pdf