This summer, goHunterdon is teaming up with local police departments to encourage bicycle safety and promote awareness of New Jersey’s Bicycle Helmet Law. The law requires all riders under the age of 17 to wear a helmet when using a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard.
As part of the collaboration, police departments in the Town of Clinton, Flemington Borough, Frenchtown Borough, Raritan Township, Readington Township have committed to roll out “Caught Being Safe” campaigns, an initiative that rewards children and teens who make smart choices by wearing their helmets. Officers will hand out “reward tickets” to young riders spotted following the law and riding safely. Discussions are underway with additional local police departments anticipated to host campaigns in the next few months.
Rewards will differ by town, but may include treats like coupons for local ice cream shops, pizza places, or candy stores—as well as non-food prizes. Officers will also distribute bicycle safety materials provided by goHunterdon.
For those who don’t have a helmet, police departments will provide free helmets in partnership with goHunterdon. Helmets are funded through the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety and NJ Department of Transportation.
“Campaigns like ‘Caught Being Safe’ not only encourage helmet use, they also foster positive connections between law enforcement and the youth in our communities,” says Ryan Fisher, Safety Programs Manager at goHunterdon.
To learn more about bicycle safety or the “Caught Being Safe” initiative, contact Nina Lewis, Safe Routes Coordinator, at nlewis@gohunterdon.org.