By Holly Fertsch
Countless locals and shore visitors rely on their bike to get themselves around.
Whether you bike for recreation or for transportation this summer, make sure you know the rights and rules for bicyclists in New Jersey. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the law. Here’s a quick refresher on NJ bicycle laws:
1. Drivers, be mindful of bicycles on the road.
Did you know that bicyclists are legally allowed to ride on roadways? Not only that, but they are permitted to occupy the lane — in other words, bicyclists are not relegated to the shoulders of streets.
As someone who used to not have a car, biking can be a useful way of getting from point A to point B. Anyone who bikes on a road should remember to signal their turns: left hand up for a right turn and left hand held out for going left.
2. Know the e-bike laws.
There are three classes of e-bikes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. While classes 1 and 2 are legally considered bicycles, Class 3 requires registration and insurance in NJ.
Class 1 has a pedal-assist function. Class 2 not only has a pedal assist but also uses a throttle. These e-bikes are subject to bicycle laws in NJ. Class 3 e-bikes are legally considered motor vehicles and are illegal to ride without proper registration. The Class 3 e-bikes are faster than the other classes of electric bikes.
3. Texting on a bike is not illegal, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Bicycles are subject to different laws than motor vehicles. However, texting on a bike could still lead to a dangerous collision. My advice is to remain fully present and focused when biking. However, you won’t get stopped by the cops for it.
Again, Class 3 e-bikes are a different story. They follow the same laws as motor vehicles.
4. The same exception applies to biking while intoxicated.
That’s right, the police can’t stop you from biking under the influence. That said, you can still get seriously injured in a drunken biking accident. Also, remember that Ocean City is a dry town.
Since Class 3 e-bikes are not legally considered bicycles, it remains illegal to operate them under the influence.
5. Bikes have rights, thanks to the move-over law. Give them space!
When bicyclists are riding on a road’s shoulder, motorists are legally required to give them four feet of space. What if it’s a narrow road? In that case, be prepared to slow down or even stop to keep bicyclists at a safe distance. If drivers can’t safely pass them in a left lane, slow down; it is illegal to pass them if you can’t maintain at least a four feet distance from them.
This law also applies to anyone else traveling on the shoulder of roads: children walking down the street, mothers with strollers, people walking their dogs, etc. Keep everyone safe by keeping your distance.
Drivers can get a motor vehicle violation for unsafe passing or driving too close. Consider yourselves warned.
6. Helmets are a legal requirement for bicyclists under the age of 17.
If you’re taking your kids biking this summer, make sure they’re safe and following state law. Helmets are mandatory for children, not optional.
7. Bicyclists ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
So, bicycles have a lot of protections under state law. However, that doesn’t mean bicyclists can do whatever they want. It remains the law that bicycles must travel with the flow of traffic on a road.
8. Traffic laws still apply to bicyclists.
It is still illegal to run a red light on a bicycle. Bicyclists still have to stop at stop signs too. As stated above, bikes on the road must signal their turns.
Whether you use a bike as a form of transportation or a means of recreation, stay safe this summer! We can all do our part to be mindful of bicyclists.
