Cycling is a popular recreational and exercise activity in the United States. A surge in demand resulted in a bicycle shortage during the summer of 2021; nearly 1 million American workers biked to work, according to the 2019 US Census. Considering the physical and psychological benefits of cycling, which range from stress reduction to improved cardiovascular functionality, it is no wonder that cycling has increased in popularity in recent years.
However, riders who do not adhere to local ordinances governing how cyclists should behave on the road put themselves at increased risk for accidents and injuries. Cyclists visiting or living in New Jersey should familiarize themselves with the state’s cycling laws and regulations.
To start, any time an individual is sitting on and actively riding a bike, they should view themselves as the driver of a vehicle. In fact, all New Jersey state laws that apply to automobile driving also apply to individuals riding bikes. For example, it is illegal to ride a bike while under the influence of alcohol. That said, due to the classification type for bikes in New Jersey, an individual will not lose their license due to a cycling DUI.
There are obvious exceptions to the concept of a bike being treated like an automobile. Cyclists, for instance, should stick to bike lanes and avoid riding busy freeways. That said, cyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicular traffic when using public roadways.
While riding on a roadway, cyclists should position themselves as close to the right roadside as possible while maintaining control over the bike. Like cars, cyclists must take extreme caution when passing a parked car or another vehicle headed in the same direction.
Left-hand turns represent another area of concern when it comes to cycling regulations and safety. Cyclists are permitted to make left turns out of the left turn lane or pocket. They can also turn left to avoid debris or another road obstacle and pass slower riders and cars. If traffic is not impeded, cyclists can move left and ride two abreast; otherwise, they should ride in a single file line.
Riders can signal a left-hand turn by raising their left arm, extending it outward parallel to the ground, and pointing in the general direction of the turn. Individuals should familiarize themselves with all cyclist hand signals, including signals for stopping and debris on the road.
Signals are an important tool for communicating with other riders, but New Jersey state law dictates that all bikes must be outfitted with a bell or audio device that can be heard at a minimum distance of 100 feet. Riding at night requires working lights and reflectors that drivers and other riders can see.
Some laws and regulations describe proper performance levels for a bike in good condition. Brakes, for instance, should be capable of creating skid marks when coming to a sudden stop on pavement that is flat, dry, and void of debris.
Other restrictions describe illegal modes of operation while cycling. Riders should never remove both hands from the handlebars or both feet from the pedals. Regarding passengers, a bike should only carry a number of riders equal to the number of seats on the bike.
For more information about laws and regulations governing cycling in the state of New Jersey, please consult Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws.
