HOBOKEN – The Hoboken Police Department announced Thursday, Sept. 17 plans to begin the next phase in its bicycle education and enforcement campaign.
“With the increase in bicycling in Hoboken, kids back at school, and the upcoming launch of a bike share program, we want to remind the community about the rules of the road and make sure that everyone is riding safely,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante, which is done in partnership with the unit’s waterfront and parks unit patrol officers and traffic bureau.
“Every officer in our Waterfront and Parks Unit patrols on bike, understands the challenges faced by bicyclists and all road users, and will be using a common sense approach to educate riders and enforce rules to ensure everyone’s safety,” he added.
The initiative comes off the heels of a major decrease in complaints regarding bicycle delivery people over the summer following the Hoboken Police Department’s focus on the possibly hazardous service.
According to the announcement, New Jersey state law governs cyclists under the same laws faced by automobile drivers, with the exception of Hoboken law allowing them on sidewalks: bicyclists must yield to pedestrians, ride no faster than pedestrians are walking, and those under 17 must wear a helmet.
“Police officers on bicycles will focus education and enforcement efforts on those who are riding recklessly on sidewalks, riding the wrong way on one-way streets, and ignoring red lights and stop signs,” the announcement continues.
The Police Department and Parking Utility will also enforce illegal parking that obstructs bicycle lanes which creates safety hazards by forcing bicyclists into traffic. Earlier this year, the HPD partnered with local restaurants to educate the delivery riders on bicycle rules, as well as provide them with reflective vests.
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