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Wanted: Bikers wearing helmets
(by Kathryn A. Burger - April 29, 2008)
The Park Ridge Police Department is on the lookout for young bicyclists. Those wearing their safety helmets properly strapped under their chins will get a coupon for a free Burger King meal. Those who are not wearing a helmet or are not wearing it properly will get a warning and be told to get off their bike, walk it home and get a helmet before riding again.
In New Jersey, the law states that “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.” In 1998, the law was changed to include roller and inline skates and skateboards.
“Now that spring is here, parents and children are urged to check their bicycles and equipment to make sure everything is in working order,” Lt. Joseph Rampolla said. “It’s also a good time for parents to go over the rules of the road with their children.”
In addition to the mandatory safety helmet, Rampolla suggests having children wear bright colored clothing to increase their visibility to motorists. He also cautions parents about letting children use audio devices such as iPods while they ride because they can prevent riders from hearing a car horn or other warning sounds.
According to Detective James Babcock, all officers will have coupons to distribute during their patrols. Bikers not wearing helmets will get a warning, but if, after the initial warning, they persist in not abiding by the law, there will be ramifications.
Babock said the penalties for non-compliance with the law accrues to the parents/guardians, not the children. “According to the statute, if a warning is given to a child by a law enforcement officer, the parent/legal guardian may be fined up to $25 for a first offense. A maximum of $100 for each subsequent offense can be imposed if it can be shown that the parent/guardian failed to exercise reasonable supervision or control over the child’s conduct,” he said.
This initiative is one of the ways the department endeavors to insure the safety of the community.
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