Bright Ideas Blog

Lakewood Police Department National Night Out Against Crime

2008-08-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday (Aug 5th) was a time for the civilians of Lakewood to see who stands behind their stance for safety.

From 4:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. at Pine park, all Lakewood residents were invited to the event that featured free entertainment, and food and drinks.

The schedule included cartoon characters, rides provided by Party On with Natalie, free bicycle helmets, free children's tee shirts, antique cars, "DUNK A COP", a raffle for fee bicycles for children ages 4 to 12, and much, much more!

Repesentatives from many County Organizations were at the park including the Lakewood Police Department's Special Response Team and the Lakewood Police Department's Traffic and Safety Unit, The Lakewood Fire Department, the Lakewood EMS, the Lakewood Hatzolah and Providence House.

Thank you to the Police Department and all of the people involved in sponsoring and planning this fun and enjoyable evening.

Will NJ Pedestrians be More Safe in 2007

2007-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

On September 18, New Jersey Governor Corzine announced a five-year, $74 million initiative comprised of a three-pronged approach (engineering, education and enforcement) to improve pedestrian safety. Agencies involved include the New Jersey Department of Transportation, The Department of Law and Public Safety and the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Read more at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov

According to the NJ division of Highway traffic Safety, the proportion of pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey is 21%, which is well above the national average. In the Summer of 2007, there will be a Regional Education and Awareness effort for the Jersey Shore Communities for pedestrian safety. Agencies will be contacted for participation.

VTC (Voorhees Transportation Center) has been awarded two large grants by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, provide $442,476 to continue the NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center for a sixth year, and $326,970 for VTC to help NJDOT manage the Safe Routes to School program.

Many NJ towns are working to improve conditions for walkers and cyclists in 2007:

"PLUMSTED - Township and school board officials are working together through a federally funded program to construct sidewalks, improve existing ones and continue to promote the benefits of exercise for people living within a two-mile radius of local schools, the mayor said Monday." See the entire article at
http://www.zwire.com

"HUDSON - Workers move the Hudson Place taxi stand to the northern side of the street toaccommodatee two way traffic by the PATH station. As part of a pedestrian safety campaign, Mayor David Roberts secured a traffic light at Hudson Place and Hudson Street, one of the city's most busyintersectionss, as part of the ongoing "Safe Paths" program that also includes news stop signs, speed humps and yield to pedestrian signs throughout the city." http://www.hobokennj.org

"North Plainfield - Mayor Janice G. Allen is feeling very uneasy because there were four motor vehicle versus pedestrian crashes in North Plainfield so far this year. She has asked Chief William Parenti to do a cause analysis on each crash to determine if there are preventative measures the Borough can embark upon,

In an effort to reduce or prevent the likelihood of this trend continuing Mayor Allen pledged that the governing body will assist in whatever capacity necessary. ÂWhile I am proud of our efforts in curtailing crime, we also must do all we can to help protect our citizens from the hazards of motor vehicle crashes and in particular pedestrian safety,Â veiw entire article at: http://www.northplainfield.org

Walking Safely at Night

2006-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Walking is great exercise and especially for anyone that is pregnant, just had a baby or is just getting back into the working out lifestyle, if your doc has given you the green light to exercise, enjoy a great walk.

It can be fun to bring along your kids, your dog or your favorite someone and have a good walk. You can listen to music if you go solo or enjoy a fun chat about anything if you pair up with others.

Walking in the cooler months has its own set of requirements, the days are much shorter and the chances of being caught out walking at dusk or dark are much greater. With this fact in mind, be sure that you are very visible to motorists. A great way to make sure you're seen by drivers is to wear a reflective strip on your clothing. Another way is to put small reflective stripes on your shoes or the backs of your pants legs. The movement of your feet and legs and you walk will be instantly attention getting to motorists and if you're visible to the people driving the cars - you're a lot safer.

You can also wear a cap that reflects car lights or a fanny pack that carries items you might need when out such as your wallet with your i.d. or some change to pick up a bottle of water to ensure that you stay hydrated while you're out on your walk.

Are You and Your Kids Biking Legally in New Jersey?

2006-11-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy riding a bicycle, make sure you're doing it legally in the State of New Jersey. The regulations aren't hard to follow and many of them will make your bike ride a safer one.

There is a helmet law that applies if your bicycle has a seat hight of 25-inches or greater. The helmet is mandatory to any bike rider age 17 or younger no matter what size bicycle they are wearing. Your bike must also have lights equipped on the front that must be able to be visible from 500-feet to the front and a rear lamp on the bicycle that emits a red light that is visible from at least 500-feet to the rear of the bike. In addition, it is not required at the time of this writing, but a red reflector is advised on the rear of all bicycles.

Additionally, a bicycle must be equipped with a bell or other audible device that can be heard at least 100 feet away, but not a siren or whistle. Working brakes are a must and you may only carry as many passengers on a bicycle as there are seats.

In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws. A parent may be held responsible for the child's violation of any traffic law. Therefore it makes good sense for all parents to go over safe biking regulations with their kids to make sure they are riding safely and legally in New Jersey.

Giving the Gift of Safety

2006-11-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

If you're considering getting a young person on your holiday list the gift of a bicycle, also give them the gift of safety along with their present.

Make sure they have the proper safety equipment and understand the full importance of using it. A helmet is a must for any child riding a bicycle. Closed head injuries from an impact on a bicycle may seriously injure or even end a child's life. It is very important that children understand the importance of wearing a helmet when biking.

Pads are great for when children are learning to ride and will definitely save them from a scraped knee or elbow as the inevitable falls that are a part of learning to ride, even with training wheels, happen.

Another issue you need to talk to your child about is the importance of being visible to cars. Many children on bicycles are no higher than the hood on a standard SUV and can't easily be seen by a driver, especially at dusk. If you're child has the potential to be riding their bike home from a friend's house or activity such as soccer practice, they need to understand it is very important that motorists see them. A good head and tail light combo installed on the bicycle will help immensely towards making your children much more visible. You can also put reflectors on the pedals and other areas on the bike to ensure great visibility by drivers.

Use those tips to make sure the gift you give this holiday season is a safe one!

Be Night Wise

2006-10-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

If you're going to be walking at night whether from your home to a local store or you're a college student walking from a dorm to another building on campus or just off campus, you need to be "night wise". Being night wise means being wise in the ways to be visible at night and there are many ways to make yourself more visible without spending a lot of money or looking foolish.

If you must walk at night, walk in a well lighted and frequently traveled areas. Don't walk in alleys or take short cuts through dimly lit areas. Also avoid darkened doorways and large bushes.

Whenever possible, walk with a friend and try to never walk alone. Be as visible as you can. Use reflective wrist or ankle bands as an easy solution for visibility for motorists if you must walk in an area where you will be encountering any sort of traffic.

Walking alone isn't always unavoidable and if you must walk alone, tell someone where you are going what route you plan to take. Tell them approximately when you will arrive and agree to check in. If you feel you are in danger or threatened at any point when walking, you can put your house keys between your fingers and point the long side out between your fingers. This will make a stout weapon if you need to defend yourself.

If you feel your being followed by a car or someone else on foot, duck into the nearest house that has a light on and knock on the door and tell the resident you feel you are being followed and wait for the person to pass or turn away. This is normally enough to deter someone that is following. If there are no houses nearby, get to the nearest public area you can.

Easy Halloween Visibility

2006-10-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

It's very important for your children to be visible to people on bikes and in cars on Halloween night. Fortunately, there are a good number of ways to make your children very visible at night.

First of all, letting your children carry a flashlight is a fantastic idea as well as look into putting some reflective strips on the backs of their costumes, so when their backs are to oncoming traffic, they can be clearly seen by motorists.

Another good idea is to use glow dots on the fronts and backs of their shoes. The movement of walking will reflect lights of oncoming cars and the movement will automatically draw the attention of the driver. This is a great way to ensure your kids are seen at night. Another great way to make your kids light up at night is to use arm or ankle bands made out of reflective material. Again the natural movement of your kids will draw attention to their presence as the light catches the reflective strips on their arms or legs. Motorists will be aware of your child being nearby.

Go over the safety basics with your kids and make sure they understand they are hard to see at night for motorists. Your children should understand they should never cross too closely in front of an oncoming car and they should never cross anywhere but at corners. Motorists won't be expecting a child to dart out in the middle of a street and the darkness of both the costume and the night can make children very hard to see.

You can ensure your child doesn't become a Halloween injury statistic by making sure your kids are easy to see. The simple use of reflective materials will ensure your kids are visible and have a great, safe Halloween.

Teaching Your Children Safety Basics for Halloween

2006-10-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

If you've chosen to let your children go trick or treating this Halloween, there are some safety basics that will keep your kids safe and allow them to have a great time out trick or treating. Make sure your children know the basics for being safe before they go out.

Only go to houses you know. If the light isn't on, don't go there. If the porch light is on and you know who lives there, by all means, stop and say, "Trick or Treat!".

Also, stay visible. A glow strip on the back of a Halloween costume won't take anything away from the costume but will allow your child to be visible to cars. Also, have the kids carry flashlights. The more light they make, the more visible your little Halloween monsters and ghouls will be to motorists. Reflective slap bracelets are another way to make sure your child is seen and kids love putting them on.

Costumes should fit well. Make sure the costumes aren't too long or could cause your child to trip. Also, if possible, forego a mask for face paint. It's easy to apply and remove and also won't interfere your child's vision, especially peripheral.

Additionally, wear appropriate shoes for walking at night. Make sure all costumes are flame retardant. Make sure your kids only cross the streets at corners and never dart out in front of oncoming cars. Last but not least, inspect all candy and look for opened wrappers, wash all fruit thoroughly before eating.

Follow these basic tips and your little ones are assured of a spookerific Halloween.

Visibility at Night - Your Life Depends On It

2006-10-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy jogging or riding your bicycle at night, not only is it the law in many states that you must have minimum visibility requirements, but you life can depend on it.

When a motorist can not see you to avoid hitting you either on foot or on a bike, you are in danger. It is important to be as visible as you can. There are a number of great ways that you can add visibility to your person without compromising style or comfort. If you remember the reflective strips from years ago, you will remember them as stiff and uncomfortable when used on clothing and that they didn't stick very well to bicycles and wound up peeling off not long after you stuck them on. If this has stopped you from being a safer jogger or bike rider - look into what the new generation of safety and reflective tapes and wear have to offer you.

Jogalite arm and leg bands are fantastic for making both a biker or a jogger visible at night or in low light conditions. The movement of the arms and legs of a biker or jogger and the reflection from the bands will draw instant attention from passing drivers to your presence and allow you to be instantly safer during your favorite recreational activities.

Just because it gets dark earlier during these upcoming winter months does not mean you have to give up jogging or riding your bicycle, just be smart and be safe about it and use reflective wear that will let you keep doing what you love to do safely.

Safety for Employees

2006-10-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

A big concern of any business is safety for their employees. You want to make sure your employees are safe on the job as well as protect the longevity of your company from lawsuits due to injuries incurred by employees on the job.

If your hours of operation before or after sunrise or sunset, you need to make sure that your employees can be seen by motorists, a great way to insure low-light and night visibility for your employees is to require the wearing of work wear that includes reflective material in the form of strips or dots.

A reflective vest is a great way to make sure your employees are visible and also gives your employees a look that shows customers clearly who works in the your facility and who doesn't. Customers will appreciate it when your employees have a standard uniform or look so they can ascertain quickly who to ask for help when they are shopping at your store.

If your employees help customers carry items to their cars or do deliveries, especially if this is done at the time of day when there is low light, a reflective vest will ensure that they are highly visible to everyone and create a safer working environment for all. If you choose to use reflective wear as a company policy, be sure and put it in writing for all your employees and have them sign a paper that states they understand the reflective wear is to be worn at all times on the job - this will help keep your safety rules enforced and also help protect your company from injury lawsuits by showing even if an accident occurred, such as an employee getting bumped by a motorist in the parking lot who simply couldn't see them after dark, and the employee neglected to wear their reflective wear although it was policy; their signature will show they knew the rules you had established for their safety.

This one simple addition to your company can help you avoid costly injury suits and make the workplace even safer for your employees.

Being Visible Can Save Your Life

2006-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

As a driver, you already know just how important it is to be able to easily see all of the bicyclists and pedestrians around you while you are out on the road. Often times, nothing can be more frightening than having a near miss with somebody who blends right in with the darkness of night while you are driving your car. This is why it is always best for all persons on the side of the road to have all of the necessary items to keep them very visible to all of the cars on the road.

If you happen to enjoy riding your bike during the evening hours, then it is in your best interest as well as that of those around you to equip your bicycle with a good amount of reflective devices or light sources. You certainly do not have to go crazy with your adornments, however just the right amount of reflection or lights can actually go quite a long way. As a matter of fact, there are even great combination kits that you can purchase to give you all of the lighting that you will need in order to stay safe and in sight while you are biking along the roadways.

The Bike Tracker Combo is a really wonderful kit that has everything including your head and taillight along with all of the mounting brackets and batteries that you will need. There are even different modes that you can set the lights to, including strobe, flashing or glowing. Once you are visible to all drivers, you are going to be much safer while you are out enjoying your bike.

Keeping Children Safe

2006-10-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

When your child begins to learn how to ride a bike, you want to make sure that they are as safe as they possibly can be. This will mean possibly using training wheels during the initial phases along with the proper amount of padding for elbows and knees. Certainly, you cannot ignore the necessity of a helmet to secure the precious little head of your child as well. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry, right?

After your child begins to grow up, they may begin to shed some of the protective gear that you once made them wear. Also, after a certain age they will probably even begin to ride their bicycle without wearing the helmet that once gave you such great peace of mind. You might even begin to think that there is just no real way to keep your child safe anymore while they are out riding their bike to school or to their friend's houses. However, there is a great product that you can give them that will continue to keep them safe on the roads.

Once your child hits this phase after shedding the protective gear, you might want to think about buying them a reflective backpack. Such a backpack has just the right amount of wonderful reflective that can be visible for up to one thousand feet away. Now, your children can carry their stuff in a backpack that is also wonderfully protective for them when you cannot be there to shelter them from harm! Such a backpack can give any parent peace of mind.

Gifts for Joggers

2006-10-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

If you have someone on your gift giving list that is a little hard to buy for and they are really into being physically fit, add a gift that will keep them safe in their pursuit of physical fitness.

The majority of joggers tend to either run in the early morning before work and many people find this is a great way to get their morning exercise in, warm up for the day and also plan out their day's activities while they run. Other people find running at the end of the day releases the necessary endorphins to destress and have an overall pleasant feeling when they are done with their nightly jog.

No matter when your favorite jogger likes to get their work out in, they will want to be as visible as possible to passing vehicles. You can ensure they are easily seen by giving them the gift of reflective wear for the times they choose the jog.

Early morning and evening jogs both carry the same hazards, low lighting and it can make a jogger - especially one wearing a concrete blending color such as gray sweats - an unseen obstacle on the road. The number one reason motorists give upon having a collision with a pedestrian or jogger is "I just didn't see the person".

The Jogalite Runner's Gift Pack comes with items that will come in handy to any jogger. An orange reflectovest, 2 lime reflective leg bands, lime hot spots and tapes. One size fits all and all will be safe when they dress to be seen as they jog!

Basic Cycling Statues You Need to Know

2006-10-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

If you love to ride your bike and find yourself riding after dark frequently; there are some state mandated regulations that both adults and children need to be aware of when they are riding their bicycles in order to be street legal. Even if you ride on even your own neighborhood streets, these requirements must be met.

As you know, the highway codes of all states treat riders of bicycles the same as drivers of vehicles. However certain nuances apply to every state. Some states allow the riding of bicycles on sidewalks and others do not. Within every state, every municipality has a different set of rules and regulations for cyclists.

All states require that a bicycle have a white light producing head lamp on any bicycle that is in use after dark. New Jersey regulations require the light emitted to be visible from 300-feet. Additionally, New Jersey regulations require that a bicycle have a rear lamp that emits a red light.

Besides riding your bicycle within the confines of the law, you want to be visible to vehicles and other types of traffic above all. If you meet the requirements of a highly visible headlight lamp and rear light (if your state requires it); go a step further an ensure you are visible by reflective belt or a cap that will enable the light to reflect off your body no matter which direction a vehicle is coming from.

Riding your bicycle is fun and also fantastic exercise, know the rules and regulations and set a good example for your kids by riding safe!

The Benefits of an LED Bicycle Light

2006-09-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get exercise. You can ride your bike almost any time of year and you will always get a great workout.

Many people like to ride their bicycles after work and unwind. Studies have shown that exercise will release "feel good" endorphins in your body that reduce stress and give you an overall feeling of happiness. No matter if you're new to bike riding or you're an old pro, you will need to make yourself visible to passing motorists no matter what time of day you ride. Reflective tapes are very handy to have on your pedals, back of your bicycle seat and fenders.

Another item that will come in very handy on your bicycle is an LED bicycle light. They are very useful if you ride in areas that tend to get foggy or you like to ride after dark, you definitely want to make sure that you are clearly seen from a distance so drivers have a chance to see you and avoid you on the road. LED lights last over 100,000 hours and the lights are visible from at least 1500-feet away.

If you like to ride with your children, make sure they are just as visible as you are and put an LED light and/or reflective tapes on their bicycles to ensure they are riding safely.

Riding a bicycle is an enjoyable way to get exercise and spend time with your family, make sure everyone that rides, rides safe with good reflective equipment.

Get Fit with a Jogging Stroller

2006-09-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Having a baby is one of the most joyous times of your life and if you were careful during your pregnancy, you probably only gained in the vicinity of about thirty pounds of extra weight.

Women who spaced their children widely apart, say having a baby in their twenties and then another when they were in their thirties; frequently comment that the weight was much easier to lose when they had their first child. There are many factors that contribute to this.

Women in their twenties are generally more energetic than their peers that are a little older. Women also tend to be a little more sedentary in their thirties and this can cause their metabolisms to run a little more slowly. If you've ruled out any physical problems that can make exercising out of the question for yourself and you have your doctor's okay to begin working out again-get a jogging stroller and run your way back to your smaller size clothes.

This is a great activity that you can do with your baby and many jogging strollers have excellent shock systems that give the baby a smooth ride no matter how rough the sidewalk can feel. Additionally, many babies find the rhythm of the running very soothing and take a nap while you get fit.

If you decide to run with your baby during the months when it gets darker earlier; make sure that you're visible. Even if you just jog in the neighborhood. People let their guards down and that's when accidents can happen. Use reflective strips on both yourself and your jogging stroller to ensure you can be seen and avoid accidents during your jaunts with your baby.

Visibility Isn't Just for Night

2006-09-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

The kids are back to school and their safety in getting to and from school will again be at the forefront of most parents' minds.

If your child walks to school or rides a bus, sometimes the time they need to leave in the morning will mean it is still fairly dark. Older children definitely don't want their parents walking with them and most will have a set group of friends they enjoy walking to and from school or the bus stop with. No matter which group your child falls into, a way to make your child more visible to motorists is a great idea.

Reflective tapes are one great way, they can be placed on jackets and backpacks and are held in place temporarily by a sticky backside or they may be sewn in place for permanence. Also, you can opt for a professionally made reflective backpack that has wide reflective strips on the straps and across the back of the backpack and it will allow your child to easily be seen whether he is walking with or against traffic.

A reflective backpack is especially useful if your child is in an area where fog forms on a regular basis and he winds up walking in it, the reflective nature of the tape on the backpack will pick up the light from coming cars and alert the driver to your child's presence before he is even in view.

Use those tips to make your kids more visible and increase their safety whenever they are away from their parents' watchful eyes.

Making Time for Family Time

2006-09-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

People often comment that time seems to be going faster and it does seem that way. The real culprit seems to be our full days. Adults have work and the commute to and from taking up their days, the kids have long days at school, along with after school care and extra-curricular activities and at night most people find they don't have the energy to do much besides eat and plop down in front of the television or video game screen.

Once this becomes a routine, you can lose touch with the very people you live with. Many families are starting to schedule at least one "family night" per week, where the entire family turns off the tube, no video games and they all spend time together. Something many families are rediscovering are the simple joys of riding bikes with the whole family. One Ohio family found that by going riding after dinner in the early evening, their children got to see local wildlife coming out to forage at night such as deer, woodchucks and even the occasional owl.

If you're going to go bike riding with your kids, make safety a priority. Bike riders are sometimes difficult for motorists to see and especially child riders as they are much lower in the field of vision. Make sure your kids are wearing helmets and pads to protect them from a fall on their bike and using reflective tape on both their helmets and bikes will help them be more visible to passing motorists.

Even if you're just riding around streets in your neighborhood, make safety a priority and enjoy a fun family night bike riding with your kids!

Safety When Jogging with Pets

2006-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Among the many perks of owning is a dog is that you always have a jogging buddy. If you have a dog that loves to run, jogging is something the two of you can do together and it will help keep him fit as well as you. Plus spending time with your canine pal will further strengthen the bond you two have between you. If you haven't tried jogging with your dog, most canines will thoroughly enjoy it. For most dogs, it only takes a few times to learn to jog with their owners.

If you already walk your dog on a leash, you're just about ready to jog with your dog. Take your dog out for a short jog and see how he does. Start off walking then pick up your pace and your dog will probably be trotting by this point. Then, pick up your pace and let your dog run with you. Try to keep the leash a little slack. Neither you nor your dog should be pulling each other. Many people take their dogs out for an evening jog. This has a multi-fold purpose, you get to unwind and your dog gets to work off some excess energy while you both get good exercise and spend time together.

When jogging with your dog, you will also encounter vehicles and you need to make sure you are both visible to oncoming traffic. There are some great night visibility items to ensure your nightly jogs are safe. There are reflective stickers that you can stick or sew on to your jogging attire and best of all, you can make sure your dog is visible to motorists by using a items such as reflective leashes, collars and even lightweight dog vests that fit around your dog's back and have a strip of reflective tape across so motorists will be aware you are not jogging alone.

If you love to jog, include your favorite canine buddy in your exercise regimen, you'll both enjoy getting fit together!

Night Visibility is a Priority for Night Joggers

2006-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Night Visibility is a Priority for Night Joggers

With obesity related illnesses on the rise and as a nation we're growing heavier than ever, more and more people are choosing to take the proverbial bull by the horns and get back in shape.

Along with changes in an individual's diet, the most important part of losing weight and keeping fit is exercise. You can opt to buy an expensive home gym that in most cases will be gathering dust while you are still making payments because a lot of people aren't motivated enough to work out in their homes and wind up making deals with themselves like "I'll work out after CSI" or "I'll work out twice as long tomorrow night". Another good show comes on after CSI and tomorrow night another deal to work out even harder is made and eventually all inclination to work out is lost.

Jogging is an ideal answer for nearly everyone who wants to get fit. All you need is a good pair of shoes to support your feet and go! Some people get Ipods or similar makes of mp3 players so they can listen to music, audio books or even self recorded notes from meetings and seminars while they jog.

Many people find the ideal time to jog is after work. Exercise is proven to release endorphins that trigger feelings of calmness and most people find their stress and strife from the day leaves as they jog. As the winter months are fast approaching, it will become dark more quickly and being visible to vehicles is a top priority for joggers. An easy way to be visible is to use a reflective sticker on the back of your shirt or jacket. Some joggers use them on the front of their shirts or jacket fronts as well, it's just a matter of personal preference.

Don't wait until it's time to make a New Year's resolution to get in shape. Start jogging and watch both your stress level and waistline shrink!

The Benefits of Police Bike Patrols by Michael Harland

2006-08-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

A police bicycle patrol is an extremely useful and effective form of law enforcement. Bikes can be economical and practical in departments, regardless of the size or type of terrain that an agency must patrol. An officer who rides a bicycle has unique abilities to see crime, stop crime, and/or arrest offenders in ways that are often more difficult in a squad car.

Mobility is a primary benefit of bike patrol. A patrolling bicyclist can travel through crowds, yards, parks, over sidewalks, pathways, into narrow passageways and easily jump curbs. During festivals and special events, a bicycle patrol is an excellent way to enforce crowd control. The officer can quickly be mobilized from anywhere in the crowd, and is then able to cover much more distance than if he or she were on foot. Additionally, in crowded situations, there is less danger or injury to pedestrians or other motorists from a bicycle if contact should occur. An officer can ride inside buildings such as shopping malls, concert arenas, exhibition halls and sporting events when indoor security involves timeliness and sizeable real estate. An important benefit for security personnel is that a bike can accompany the rider in unique interior spaces, such as elevators.

This same maneuverability gives an officer the capability to ride up to individuals in a personal, non-threatening manner. The size and appearance of a squad car are not as "friendly" as a police bike. A bike-riding officer can become a powerful influence in developing positive relationships with people who live and work in the community he or she patrols. The bicycle can be especially effective in building trust with children who may be interested in it, and its equipment. This trust and accessibility can encourage citizens to be less apprehensive about approaching law enforcement officers in times of need, or with information and tips.

Ease of mobility allows for a level of stealth that cannot be put into action in a squad car. For example, Fuji and Smith & Wesson create patrol bikes with silent hubs. An officer is therefore able to ride up behind someone, who very likely, will not know he or she is there. From a distance, police officers on bicycles blend with other cyclists. However, with the flip of a switch, an officer can turn on specially designed pursuit lights and sirens that identify him or her as law enforcement.
Smaller towns often overlook the use of bicycles for their local force. However, bikes are useful and economical police tools for less populated locales. An officer may be able to ride across town in minutes. Meanwhile, should the officer come upon a disturbance or problem, he or she can quietly approach in a low-keyed manner, without disturbing other residents.

Improved physical condition is a known health benefit to bike riding. Improved mental and physical wellbeing can promote a more positive attitude for work and life, as well as aid in reducing stress levels. This alone should be weighed as a motive for putting officers on bicycles.

Finally, the use of bicycles in law enforcement agencies and security organizations is economical! Police bicycles can save money in a department, agency or business by cutting automobile expenses and their accompanying fuel, insurances and maintenance costs. This advantage must be considered when funding is being cut and budgets are tight.

About the Author
Michael Harland is the Sales Manager for Police Bike Store, which offers Police Bikes and Accessories for sale. His information comes from personal experience and he has been writing on the subject of law enforcement, security and bicycle related topics since 2001

Why Bicycle Lights Are Important

2006-08-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

When you are an avid biker, you know that you can't always ride in the daylight. There are times when riding at night is more logical, such as when the days are too hot in the summer. However, when you choose to ride at night, there are a few safety precautions you should take and having a reliable bicycle light is one of the most important. Sure, you should wear reflective and bright clothing and such, but a bike light is something that will stand out more to everyone on the road. The best bicycle light is one that will last a long time. After all, no one wants to deal with changing their bike light every other week.

The best bicycle lights last around 100,000 hours, which means you will rarely have to change them at all. They are quite bright as well, allowing others to see you from up to 1,500 feet away.

When you have that type of security in a bike light you can guarantee you won't go unnoticed. You will never have to worry about being on a long bike ride at night and your bike light going out. Getting stranded without a light at night can be quite dangerous indeed. In addition to using great bike lights on bikes, you can also use them in other places. Often times those who like to jog at night will use a bike light to get noticed by others on the road. This is a great safety measure. Putting bike lights on strollers and wheelchairs are also a fantastic idea. Most accidents occur because of lack of visibility. If drivers can see you, then they can avoid hitting you. So, be sure that you do your part to stay safe while out at night.

By: Deena Leiman

Tips for Safer Driving at Night by David Maillie

2006-07-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

According to the National Institute for Highway Safety, the number and severity of auto accidents increases 10 fold between the hours of 11 pm and 3 am. Here are proven tips to decrease your chances of an accident. Some of this may sound like common sense, but you wouldn't believe how many people don't follow these tips.

1) Stay home. Don't go out unless you have to. Even if you implement every safety tip below, you still run a higher risk of running into someone who isn't following these tips or is driving drunk. Every night there are reports of people killed by a drunk driver that were on there way home - it isn't worth it. If you don't need to go out, don't.

2) Don't drink and drive. You may think you hold your liquor well, and that you won't get arrested or be over the legal limit in your state, but it is a proven fact that any alcohol in your system will slow down or impair your reflexes. What if something happens where you will need to react quickly? Its not worth the risk. Get a designated driver. Everyday there are families torn apart by a drunk driver who thought they could handle driving. Alcohol also impairs judgement and will make you think you can drive when you shouldn't. Don't drive drunk - and don't let others drive drunk. Contact MADD if you have questions on this.

3) Fix, repair, restore your headlights so they work like new. It amazes me when I see people driving at night with very dim headlights. If you can barely see, how safe do you think that is? Your headlights are the number one safety feature for night time driving. If you need new bulbs, get them (they only cost around $10 each). If your lenses are cloudy, scratched, worn get a headlight repair, cleaner, restorer kit (see the authors link below). These kits will return your headlights to like new condition and save you hundreds over replacements. Having worked on a volunteer emergency squad, dim headlights were only second to drunk driving in the number of accidents we dealt with - and they tended to be the most severe. There is no excuse for having dim headlights - get them fixed.

4) Don't drive on bald or worn tires. This is especially true for driving in the rain. Bald or worn tires can cause your car to hydroplane and lose all control almost guaranteeing an accident. Take a penny and make sure you cannot see the presidents head, else replace the tire. Also have them properly balanced and rotated at least once per year. What good are good reflexes if your car won't respond correctly?

5) Replace windshield wipers every spring. When it rains, especially at night your visibility is reduced. Ineffective wipers will further reduce your vision and increase your risk of an accident. Some auto parts stores will even install them for free - take advantage of this.

6) Have your battery checked at every oil change. This will reduce your chances of being left stranded on the road in the middle of the night. More pedestrian accidents happen this way. The other driver is less likely to see you and pedestrian accidents are awful. You will not win with a 3000 pound car going 50 mph. For emergencies pack a flashlight in your car and a reflective vest so you can be seen.

7) Take advantage of driving classes offered by local companies, the DMV and your local police. 8) Wear your seatbelt. Working for an emergency squad, you see the grimm results of victims not wearing their seat belts - being thrown from the car - this resulted in many deaths, paralization, severe burns and disfigurment, etc... I'm sorry if you find it uncomfortable, but if you are in an accident it will increase your chances of survival and decrease the severity of the accident. Wear your seat belt. Many people think the police are just out to give tickets, but who would want to have to pick up severely injured children or worse. They see this stuff too often and then they have to go home to their families. When I was working at the volunteer emergency squad we found even the toughest cops would cry at some of the accidents we were called to. State Psychologists were sometimes assigned to help the police, emergency medical personnel, etc... as the accidents would be so traggic and they could have been easily prevented by some of the above tips. Please don't drink and drive, wear your seat belt and drive safely.

About the Author

David Maillie is a chemist and holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: MDwholesale.com

ECG Way Finding Signage Posted on D&R Path in New Jersey

2006-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

ECG Way Finding Signage Posted on D&R Path in New Jersey (http://www.greenway.org/)

After nearly 3 years of communications with 4 different government agencies, the New Jersey Committee of the ECG has placed ECG signs along the 34-mile segment of the historic Delaware & Raritan Canal path that runs from South Bound Brook to Trenton. This path also has the distinction of being the first ECG segment to be officially designated part of the ECG. Mike Kruimer, ECGA NJ State Committee Chair and Dick and Els Ginman spent a day signing the path to let travelers know they are on the ECG. There are also plans to install a kiosk at the site of one of the old canal locks in Kingston- this is significant to both the ECG and Mike Kruimer's wife, Anne, whose great-grandfather, John Henry Lackey, was one of the last Locktenders when the canal was still operational.

The D&R canal was one of America's busiest navigation channels in its heyday until it closed permanently in 1933. The D&R canal and a strip of land on each side were made a state park in 1973, and were designated a National Recreation Trail in 1992. ECG designation came along in 1996 - this trail is a great example of some of the rich history along the ECG! Learn more about the D&R path.

Pedestrian safety worries Lynnwood Police

2006-07-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Pedestrian safety worries LynnwoodPolice hope to curb the number of accidents by targeting violators of crosswalk laws.

By Scott PeszneckerHerald Writer

LYNNWOOD - Lynnwood police Sgt. Wayne Davis expected to write some tickets when he and other officers staked out the crosswalk at a busy intersection. He just didn't expect to write so many.

In about an hour, he and other officers ticketed 33 drivers who either cut off or sped behind a plain-clothes officer who repeatedly crossed at 200th Street SW and 56th Avenue W. "Drivers in general, they just don't pay as much attention to pedestrians as they should," Davis said.

The outcome of last Wednesday's crosswalk sting -the first of many planned for this year - mirrors a dangerous trend for the city's pedestrians and bicyclists.
In 2005, Lynnwood police investigated 43 accidents in which cars and pedestrians or bicyclists collided, nearly double the number from the year before, according to accident data based on Lynnwood police reports.

See intire article at: http://www.heraldnet.com