GR Police have a successful bicycle registration drive

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — The Glen Ridge Police Department hosted a bicycle registration session in a driveway at police headquarters, on Friday, July 29. The effort to register bikes began June 1 and so far, 42 residents and commuters who bike to the Glen Ridge train station have registered, according to Detective Michael Medico, of the juvenile division. Medico was assisted by Officer Chris Grogan in providing information at the registration.

To register a bike, the police want the serial number of the bike, its value, location of purchase, distinguishing marks and color. The GRPD takes a photograph of the bike and puts a numbered sticker on it.

“People on bicycles are subject to all motor-vehicle laws,” Grogan said. “A bike’s serial number will be run. A lot of bikes are ditched, maybe joy ridden and dropped.”

He said a few bicycles are stolen in the borough each year. Last summer, two suspects were arrested trying to make off with a bike at the train station. They were caught in the act. And Grogan said that although some security locks are better than others, every lock can be broken into and cables can be cut.

The GRPD also provided a bike-safety pamphlet at the registration. Its information on state statutes was minimal but it did provide advice: wear bright colors and reflective clothing; no loose clothing and keep sneakers tied.

Additional advice included mounting a bell or mirror to handlebars, and if a person is under the age of 10, ride on the sidewalk.

NJ law, however, requires a bike to be equipped with a bell or warning signal audible to 100 feet. It is also the law that a parent may be held responsible for their child’s traffic violations. And in NJ, bike riders under the age of 17 must wear a helmet.

“A person can register their bike at anytime,” Medico said. “But the next registration set-up has not been scheduled yet.”

He said bicycle racks are located at the train station, the community pool and the high school.

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