Ride Safe, Ride Smart

One of the great joys of living here at the Jersey Shore is the ability to ride miles upon miles on your bicycle. It’s a rite of passage for local kids to gain independence and ride with their friends to school and town, and a great way to get a premier parking spot when headed to the beach. On any given summer day, we can expect to see dozens of candy colored beach cruisers piled up at our beaches and on the side streets along Third Avenue. With our local streets becoming more clogged each summer, please follow these guidelines to keep you and your family safe.

One of the newer laws to take note of in New Jersey is regarding e-bikes. All e-bike riders in New Jersey must be at least 15 years old, have a motorized bicycle license, register their e-bike, and carry liability insurance. Riders who are 17 and older can use a valid New Jersey driver’s license. All motorized bikes are prohibited on the boardwalk, its approaches, and the beaches. The Spring Lake and Sea Girt Police Departments work with residents to promote safety and security and enforce these laws.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety recommends the use of helmets for everyone, but is required for anyone under 17. Cyclists should also obey all traffic signals and ride on the right side of the road. According to Adam Levine, Owner of Pedego Electric Bikes of Spring Lake, “When you ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road, you become a more predictable rider. When you are more predictable, you are less likely to find yourself in an accident with a vehicle.”

Keeping the Tires Running

Maintaining your bike is important, especially in the salty air. Each year, look at all the mechanics of your bike and make sure they are in working condition. Local bike shops can help with a seasonal tune-up. For kids, check and make sure the height of the seat and handlebars keep up with their growth. Levine also suggests installing a left-hand mirror to help avoid falls caused by looking behind while riding.

The Spring Lake Police Department offers a bicycle registration program for residents. They can bring their bicycles to Police Headquarters at 311 Washington Avenue, where an officer will log the owner’s information, the serial number, make, and model of the bicycle, and affix a numbered identification sticker to the bicycle. If a registered bicycle is ever lost or stolen, the Department will be able to use this information to try to retrieve it.

The boardwalk in Spring Lake prohibits bike riding from May 1 to November 1. Sea Girt allows bike riding on the boardwalk between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Bikes should only be ridden on the street and are specifically prohibited on the sidewalk along Third Avenue between Madison and Passaic. Park your bike safely using a secure lock in the bike racks located at each street end. Whether you are a resident or just visiting for the day, follow the rules and look out for one another.