Safety First

The first thing you want to know about biking to work is the traffic laws in regards to bikes. In New Jersey, you do not have to register your bike, but in some states you do. In New Jersey, bikes must follow all traffic laws. That means traveling in the same direction as traffic, yielding to pedestrians, obeying all stop signs and traffic signals, yield signs, construction zones, and traffic signs. You can get pulled over by a cop for not obeying traffic laws. If you're under 17, you must wear a helmet. If you're riding after dark, your bike has to have a front and back light visible for 500 feet.

Also, you must use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. Just to refresh, here are the hand signals for bike riding (also helpful when your blinker is out):



You don't have to give the signal continuously. Just give the signal at the right moment before your turn, such as when the light changes, or you are moving from a stopped position to start moving again, or if traffic is approaching you from behind.

Remember, you are an ambassador for commuting bikers everywhere, so practice these laws to set a good example. The more cars see good bicyclists on the road practicing the proper biking procedures, the safer everyone will be.