Cycling has experienced a popularity explosion within the past year. Whether due to the spike in gasoline prices earlier this year or an increasing desire to live a more “green” lifestyle, one thing is for certain; there are definitely more people on bicycles. With the lazy days of summer behind us and winter quickly approaching, conditions for bicycling in New Jersey will soon become more challenging.  However, this is no reason to put your bicycle into storage until next spring. Whether one is an experienced cyclist or a novice, with a little care and extra precaution, cyclists in New Jersey should be able to continue riding safely throughout the winter season.

 

Follow the Rules and Regulations
To bicycle safely in winter, as at any time, it is necessary to take state rules and regulations seriously. Doing so can greatly reduce the risk of bike crashes. So far this year, the number of bicycle fatalities for 2008 was 19, compared to a total of 7 for all of 2007 and 10 for 2006. Through October, 1,538 bicycle crashes have been reported for the year (Source: NJ Department of Transportation). This may be due to an overall increase in bicycling.

 

Key rules and regulations to follow include riding on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic and obeying all traffic laws as they pertain to cycling. In New Jersey, a bicyclist

has the same rights and duties as motorists and must, for example, stop at red lights and stop signs. For more information on bicycling rules and regulations, visit the NJDOT Bicycle Regulations webpage at (http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/
commuter/bike/regulations.shtm), as well as the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety Bicycle Safety webpage, accessible at (http://www.nj.gov/oag/
hts/bike.html).

 

Dress Accordingly

In terms of rider clothing gear, it is important to keep your head, body, and feet warm and secure. Special winter bicycle clothing is available, however most everyday cyclists can keep adequately warm by wearing what is already in their closet. As with most outdoor winter activities, layering is important to help regulate body temperature. A jacket should be water and wind proof, and fit snug and high around the neck to minimize cold drafts. Cyclists should avoid baggy pant legs as they can easily get caught in the chain, spokes, or other moving bike parts. For most pants, simply securing the cuff on the chain side of the bicycle with a clip, Velcro strap or even a rubber band is sufficient.

 

While wearing mittens may be tempting as they are warmer than fingered gloves, they should be avoided because they hinder safe operation of the brakes and gears. Cyclists must also remember that