BIKE TICKET Initiative

The Medford Lakes Police Department Bike Ticket Initiative is a bicycle safety and positive-reinforcement program designed to encourage children to make safe choices while riding their bicycles throughout the Borough of Medford Lakes.  The program was started in 2025 by Chief John McGinnis. 

Rather than focusing solely on enforcing bicycle safety rules, the initiative gives police officers an opportunity to recognize and reward children who are doing the right things.

How the initiative works:

• Ride safely: Children who are observed riding responsibly may be recognized by Medford Lakes police officers.

• Wear a helmet: Children wearing properly fitted bicycle helmets demonstrate an important commitment to their personal safety.

• Follow the rules: Officers encourage children to obey traffic signs and signals, ride predictably, and follow applicable bicycle safety rules.

• Receive a Bike Ticket: Children who are wearing their bicycle helmet on the way to school receive a special raffle ticket from an officer.

• Win prizes: Each ticket provides a chance to win prizes, giving children an additional incentive to practice safe riding habits.

Why the program matters:

The Bike Ticket Initiative promotes a positive relationship between police officers, children, and families. It reinforces the idea that safe riding habits are worth recognizing and celebrating. It also gives officers an opportunity to interact with young residents in a friendly, encouraging way while promoting bicycle safety throughout the community. This approach aligns with the department’s commitment to community partnerships and quality-of-life initiatives.

The initiative is about more than winning prizes. It is about building lifelong safety habits, encouraging personal responsibility, and making Medford Lakes a safer place for everyone.