Cycling on New Jersey Highways: Legal Guidelines and Safety Concerns
With unseasonably warm weather in New Jersey, many residents are turning to bicycles for commuting, exercise, or leisure. However, questions arise about the legality and safety of cycling on highways. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, cyclists generally have the same rights as motor vehicles on roads where biking is permitted. However, certain highways, such as the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 208 in specific towns, prohibit bicycle traffic due to safety concerns. The state allows cycling on some highways to accommodate residents who rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. Cyclists must adhere to road rules, including yielding to pedestrians and staying as close to the right roadside as practicable, except in specific situations like making left turns or avoiding hazards.