To the Editor:
Summer brings more bicyclists onto the county’s roads and bike paths; most of them need to learn safety rules to stay alive.
For example, on June 15 in the afternoon, a mindless couple was biking east as I drove west on Sandman Boulevard in Cold Spring. They sailed through the red traffic signal at Shunpike Road. Had a vehicle been speeding, both would have become casualties. Additionally, neither the man nor the woman wore a helmet.
Cycling on Middle Township’s bike path, it is apparent that most bicyclists have a death wish. Most wear nothing to protect their head (and brain) from a life-threatening injury. Do they believe they are immune from falling and striking their head? The answer is apparent.
My late wife’s grandson always wears a helmet. Because of that, his life was spared when he was involved in a bike accident. The helmet was battered, but the boy lives.
Why not wear a helmet to protect the most important part of one’s body? Helmets are not expensive compared to a lifetime disability due to carelessness.
Parents, anyone under age 17 must wear a helmet. You put sunscreen on your youngsters; why not a bike helmet? When they outgrow the first helmet, buy a larger one. Demand they wear a bike helmet. Teach your children well!
Finally, traffic laws apply to all bicyclists. A red light means STOP. Go green for safety; don a helmet.
New Jersey Title 39:4-10.1: Anyone under 17 years of age that rides a bicycle or is a passenger on a bicycle, or is towed as a passenger by a bicycle must wear a safety helmet. On Aug. 1, 1998, this helmet law was extended to include roller and inline skates and skateboards.
AL CAMPBELL
Court House
