Hi Jay,
I live in Union County (Northern NJ). There's a bike shop in Westfield that's been there for at least 40 years. But I think they're kind of pricey because it's ritzy Westfield.
Of course, if I decide to buy a bike, I'll also buy a helmet.
It's weird -- I feel excited and scared thinking about learing at my age. I honestly don't trust my sense of balance.