Click here to fight your New Jersey traffic ticket.

Now that bicycling is more popular than ever, it’s crucial to understand the bike laws in your state so you can be safe on the roadways.

In the state of New Jersey, bicycling is regulated under Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws. Below, we’ll discuss the rules for operating a bicycle on public roads and what you need to do to stay safe. 

Bike laws in New Jersey

New Jersey is very clear about how you should prepare to take caution on the roadways, including how you should interact with other traffic and the kind of safety gear you must have.

Here are some of the things you will need to keep in mind:

Riding on public roadways

When you are riding a bicycle in New Jersey, you must obey all of the state and local rules of the road that apply to other vehicles. Technically, you are a part of road traffic, so you also need to remember that any time you are on the road you must be riding in the same direction as the other vehicles.

Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in New Jersey is not prohibited, but municipalities have passed their own ordinances to prevent it. In general, you should not ride your bike on the sidewalk in any state. The only exception is young children who are under their parents’ supervision.

Bicyclists must always ride on the right-hand side of the road, even if there is no designated bike lane on the roadway. The only times you can move left into traffic while on a bicycle in New Jersey are:

–          If you are making a left turn from a left-turn lane or pocket

–          If you are attempting to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions on the right side of the road (still, you must signal and be aware of other traffic)

–          If you are attempting to pass a slower moving vehicle (such as another bike)

–          To occupy another lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic

–          To travel two abreast when it does not interfere with other traffic on the road (otherwise you must ride single file)

Audible signals

In order to signal to other traffic that you are sharing the roadway, your bicycle must be fitted with an audible device that acts as a horn. This device can be a bell or buzzer of some sort, but you may not use a siren or a whistle.

The audible signal you choose must be loud enough to be heard 100 feet away. For example, people walking ahead may not see your hand signals, so you must be able to alert them that your vehicle is coming up behind them.

Lights on a bike

In the state of New Jersey, any bicycle on a public roadway after dark must be equipped with the following 3 types of lights:

–          A front headlamp capable of emitting white light visible at least 500 feet in front of you

–          A rear lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet behind you

–          A red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle

Helmets

New Jersey’s helmet law can be found under Title 39:4-10.1. It explicitly states that anyone under 17 years of age who is 1) riding on, 2) a passenger on, or 3) being pulled by a bicycle must wear a safety helmet. The law also states:

“The definition of bicycle with reference to the helmet legislation is a vehicle with two wheels propelled solely by human power and having pedals, handlebars, and a saddle-like seat. The term shall include a bicycle for two or more persons having seats and corresponding pedals arranged in tandem.”

Because being on a roadway and not in a motor vehicle can cause serious harm, even those on roller skates, inline skates, or skateboards must abide by this rule as well.

When it comes to helmets, it’s not enough just to have one with you, it must be securely fastened and fitted. Bicycle helmets must meet the federal standards developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) so that the helmet stays in place in the event of a fall or collision.

You are only exempt from the helmet law if:

–          You operate or ride a bicycle (as a driver or a passenger) on a roadway closed to motor traffic

–          You are riding on a trail or path set aside only for the use of bicycles

However, if these paths are not separated from the roadway by a barrier that prevents the bicycle from ever getting into traffic, you must still wear a helmet if you’re under 17.

If you violate New Jersey’s helmet law, you will receive a warning. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian can be fined up to $26 for the first infraction and up to $100 for any subsequent infractions if their lack of supervision was the reason for the offense.

Steps to take before riding a bike

If you are going to ride a bike on a New Jersey roadway, you will want to ensure maximum safety for yourself, any passengers, and anyone else with whom you share the road, no matter what their vehicle. Bicyclists have all the same rights as vehicle drivers, but it’s important to remember they also have the same responsibilities when it comes to safety.

It’s wise to make sure your bicycle is working properly before you take it onto a roadway. In order to do that, you should check that the following equipment is all working properly before mounting your bicycle:

–          Tires/wheels – Make sure they are full of air and there is nothing impaling the tire or stuck in the treads.

–          Brakes – Check your brakes to be sure they work quickly and as expected so you can stop exactly when you need to while on the roadway.

–          Chains – Be sure all chains are properly attached and move smoothly, including while switching gears

–          Lights – If there’s a chance you will have your bike on the road after sunset, be sure to check that your front and backlights work properly and do not need to charge or have their batteries changed

–          Reflectors – Make sure you have a red reflector mounted on the rear that is visible from a distance of up to 500 feet

–          Bell – Assure your bell works properly in case you need to signal to other traffic or pedestrians on the road who cannot see you

–          Bicycle seat – Adjust the seat height so that you’re comfortable and can access all of the safety tools you need while on the road.

Many states are encouraging residents to ride bikes for the environment and for health – and it seems to be working. According to the U.S. Census, the number of Americans who bike to work has increased by 60% since 2000. But while riding your bike is great exercise, it’s also important that you know your rights and responsibilities – as well as the rules of the road – in order to keep everyone safe on the roadway.