Serving The New Jersey Citizens Of Oradell

Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi Legal Blog

Governor Passes New Safe Passing Of Bicycle Law

On August 5, 2021 Governor Murphy signed into law Senate Bill #2208 which provides for, among other things, that an operator of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall comply with the requirements for passing and overtaking a motor vehicle such that when the motorist passes the bicycle it must be at a safe distance and does not interfere with the safe operation of the bicycle. The motorist must take into consideration the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility and the surface and width of the highway. The bill also provides that the operator of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator. If the operator of the motor vehicle cannot comply with these provisions due to traffic or roadway conditions, then the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent and may pass the bicycle only when passing would not endanger the safety of the […]