Can’t wait to start touring around the island on your bicycle this season?
It’s always a good idea to check up on NJ state law and local ordinances so you know the rules of the road, and what to expect in Avalon and Stone Harbor when biking around.
In this guide, you’ll find:
> Gear You Need on Your Bicycle
> Bicycles Must Obey Traffic Laws
> Which Sidewalks & Streets are Restricted
The information contained here is not intended to be comprehensive, but to raise awareness about state and local laws impacting bicyclists and public safety. All information appearing on this page, including NJ state laws and local ordinances, is also subject to change. Please contact the Boroughs of Avalon or Stone Harbor directly to confirm or further inquire about any information, more details, or changes.
Gear You Need on Your Bicycle
Before you head out onto the road, your bicycle must be outfitted with a bell or other audible device that can be heard at least 100 feet away (but not a siren or whistle).
It must also be equipped with a brake that can make wheels skid while stopping on dry, level, clean pavement.
Then there’s this fun little adage to remember…
If you’re riding at night, you need a light!
When in use at nighttime, every bicycle in NJ must have:
(1) a front headlamp emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front; and
(2) a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from at least 500 feet to the rear.
The Helmet Law
The “helmet law” in NJ states that anyone under 17 years of age who rides a bicycle, or is a passenger on a bicycle, or is towed as a passenger by a bicycle, must wear a safety helmet.
Bicycles Must Obey Traffic Laws
In NJ, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws.
Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights, and subject to all the duties, of the motor vehicle driver.
This means as a bicyclist you must:
• Ride your bike on the right side of the road. And always ride in the same direction as cars.
• Stop your bike at stop signs and red lights.
Riding Rules
Any violations of NJ state laws or local ordinances could result in a ticketed fine, as well as other consequences.
It’s also important to note that a parent may be held responsible for the child’s violation of any traffic law.
Here are some other NJ bicycling laws to know about when riding:
• Bicyclists should not drive the bicycle with feet removed from the pedals, or with both hands removed from the handlebars, nor practice any trick or fancy driving in a street.
• Limit passengers to only the number the bicycle is designed and equipped to carry (the number of seats it has).
• Hitching onto a vehicle is prohibited – no person riding a bicycle shall attach themselves to any streetcar or vehicle.
• Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway must ride as near to the right roadside as possible, exercising care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
• A bicyclist may move left under any of the following conditions:
(1) to make a left turn from a left turn lane or pocket;
(2) to avoid debris, drains, or other hazardous conditions on the right;
(3) to pass a slower moving vehicle;
(4) to occupy any available lane when travelling at the same speed as other traffic.
• NJ law allows bicyclists to travel up to two abreast (but no more than two) only when traffic is not impeded; otherwise, you must ride single file.
Bicycle Lanes
Both Avalon and Stone Harbor have designated bicycle lanes, affording cyclists a safe and scenic way to experience a ride through the Boroughs. All riders are encouraged to utilize designated bicycle lanes, whenever possible.
The designated lane can be found along Dune Drive in Avalon, extending into Stone Harbor’s Second Avenue – as one long, continuous path connecting the two.
Please remember the following when using any designated lane:
• Stay within the lines of the bicycle lane.
• Even when within the bicycle lane, bicyclists should stay alert for oncoming traffic and pedestrians when approaching intersections.
Which Sidewalks & Streets are Restricted
Did you know that certain sidewalks and streets in Stone Harbor and Avalon have restrictions on bicycle use?
In Avalon, the following local laws apply:
• Borough ordinance requires you to walk (and NOT ride) your bicycles on the sidewalks in the Dune Drive Business District.
• Bicycles are permitted on the Avalon Boardwalk only from 5 AM to 10 AM.
In Stone Harbor, the following ordinances apply:
• No person shall operate a bicycle, at any time, on the sidewalks adjacent to the following streets:
– 96th Street, between the 96th Street Bridge and ocean seawall
– Second Avenue, between 93rd and 99th Streets
– Third Avenue, between 93rd and 99th Streets
• No person shall ride a bicycle on the roadway in the business district from the last Saturday in June through Labor Day between 6 pm and midnight.
• No bicycles are allowed on the sidewalk in the business district at any time.
If you venture off the island, you should know that bicycle access is also restricted on certain highways and roads in NJ, either entire lengths or specific sections of roads, including but not limited to the following:
• Garden State Parkway: entire length
• New Jersey Turnpike: entire length
• Atlantic City Expressway: entire length
• Route 52: Somers Point, Atlantic County, Ocean County, Cape May County
Bicycle Safety Tips
There are a number of other safety tips you should follow when riding your bicycle, especially in a bustling town with traffic, to help prevent any accidents or injury.
• Wear light colors and reflective clothing when riding at night.
• Make sure your bike is in good working condition.
• Use hand signals for turning and stopping.
• Always lock your bike securely.
• Do not carry objects in your hands, or hang objects from handlebars. Consider getting a bicycle rack, bag, or panniers to secure shopping items in transit.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable time in Avalon and Stone Harbor, as we all remember to share the road with others – including pedestrians and runners, motor vehicles, and other bicyclists!
Find more information:
> Stone Harbor Police Department
Is there something missing, or would you like to submit an update or correction? Contact us.
