NJDOT announces NJBIKESCHOOL program

( Trenton ) – In an effort to improve bicycle safety among New Jersey’s fourth to sixth grade students, Commissioner Stephen Dilts today announced the start of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)’s NJBIKESCHOOL program.

“NJBIKESCHOOL is a free, comprehensive bicycle safety program that educates children about sharing the road safely with motor vehicles and pedestrians,” said Commissioner Stephen Dilts. “This program could improve bicycle safety, pediatric health and the environment.”

The program includes two hours of safety instruction and two hours of on-bike riding instruction. The course is part of NJDOT’s Safe Routes to School program and is taught by certified instructors from the League of American Bicyclists.

"Ensuring that our children know and observe the rules of the road is essential for safe cycling," said Pam Fischer, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Last year, 22 adults bicyclists were killed on the state's roadways, while four have died so far this year. Over the fourth of July weekend, two adult bicyclists were injured in separate crashes. The NJ Bikeschool program will equip young riders with the tools to ride safely now and well into the future."

NJBIKESCHOOL is funded by the Federal Highway Administration in cooperation with NJDOT and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Classes will be offered as follows:

July 8 - 10
8:30 a.m. to noon
Township of Pemberton Summer Recreation Program
Aletta Crichton School
2 Learning Way
Browns Mills, NJ
July 27 - 31
8:30 a.m. to noon
Hanover Township School Age Child Care Camp
Memorial Junior Middle School
61 Highland Avenue
Whippany, NJ

August 3 - 14
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Camden Summer Recreation Program
Farnham Park
Park Boulevard and Kaighn Avenue
Camden, NJ

For more information about the NJBIKESCHOOL program, email Safe.Routes@dot.nj.gov.