The aim of a new law that took effect Tuesday is to make New Jersey roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The Safe Passing Law requires drivers to move over one lane to pass pedestrians and bicyclists, or give at least 4 feet of space. If there’s not enough room to do either, drivers are now required to pass at 25 miles per hour or slower.
The new law includes stiffer penalties of $100 for drivers who violate the law or a $500 fine and two points on their license if they break the law and injure a pedestrian. Some 223 pedestrians were killed by drivers in New Jersey in 2021, as well as 23 cyclists. Last year was also the deadliest year on the state’s roads in more than three decades.
