Dear Editor,
Bicycles go a long way toward reducing pollution and congestion, especially in urban areas such as Hoboken. Bikes also provide beneficial exercise for the riders, at very low cost. So what’s not to like?
That depends on where you live. In many places there is nothing not to like. Nations around the world safely integrate bikes as primary transportation, with few problems. Even some communities in the United States are able to do it. Why is that? It’s possible because authorities enforce cycling rules, and the rules are known and followed by citizen-cyclists. Ya gotta love the results.
But, here in Hoboken it seems that nobody wants to enforce, know or follow bicycle laws. This explains why a bike may come out of nowhere (often on the sidewalk), from any direction, at any time of day or night, without lights or warnings of any type. It’s scary. This “wacky wheeling” approach to cycling is potentially harmful or deadly to pedestrians, drivers, and the riders themselves, and shouldn’t be tolerated.
New Jersey has bicycle laws that apply in the rest of the State, why not here? The basic bike rules are simple:
1. Follow all traffic regulations that apply to motor vehicles: ride in the street in the direction of traffic flow, keep to the right whenever practicable, stop at signal lights and stop signs, signal when turning, etc.
2. Equip all bikes that will be ridden at night with a white light in front and a red light in back, both of which must be visible at a distance of 500 feet. A red reflector in the rear may be used in addition.
3. Equip all bikes with a bell or other audible device that can be heard at least 100 feet away. Sirens are not permitted.
4. Wear a helmet when you ride if you’re under 17.
“Wacky wheeling” is a safety and quality-of-life issue, as well as a matter of disobeying the law.
Hobo Ken