As is the case every summer, people of all generations are rediscovering the joys and exercise benefits of bicycles. Many of them, however, are not taking proper safety precautions, including adhering to helmet safety standards.Last week, Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz urged parents to ensure that their children are wearing their helmets, correctly fitted and fastened, when operating a bicycle. He noted that parents who allow their children to ride without helmets may face fines of up to $100. On a positive note, however, children and teens found wearing their helmets may receive free 7-Eleven Slurpee coupons from officers.This situation is serious. Every year, approximately 500,000 people end up in the emergency department with injuries resulting from bicycle accidents and more youngsters ages five to 14 visit the ER every year for bike-related injuries than any other sport. Some of those children die, typically from head injuries and many of these injuries can be avoided or reduced.According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), there are 85 million bicycle riders in the U.S. The “typical” bicyclist killed on our roads is a sober male, over 16, not wearing a helmet while riding on a major road between intersections, in an urban area on a summer evening, when hit by a car. The problem is increasing, too. There were 628 cyclist deaths reported in 2009, compared to 846 in 2019, the last year for which BHSI shared statistics.It is New Jersey state law that all young people under the age of 17 are required to wear an approved helmet when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating, or skateboarding. Although many bicycle deaths result from bicycle-motor vehicle collisions; injuries can happen anywhere, including parks, bike paths and driveways, and often do not involve motor vehicles.Head injury is the most serious type of injury and the most common cause of death among bicyclists. The most severe injuries are those to the brain that cause permanent damage. Bicycle helmets can prevent or diminish the severity of such injuries.Although the law only requires those under the age of 17 to wear helmets, adults, too, should wear a properly fitting helmet that meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These helmets come with a CPSC sticker on them.All too often, we see children accompanied by an adult riding bicycles down the street. The children are wearing helmets, as required by law; but, the adult,
