Talking Points for Your Public Comments
Why Road Signs?
Since March 2022, New Jersey has one of the strongest Safe Passing Laws in the nation. 🚴🏼♀️⬅️4️⃣➡️🚗. Drivers must approach and pass vulnerable road users – that’s anyone on foot, bicycle, scooter, or wheelchair – with “due caution.” Changing lanes if possible, and always giving at least 4 feet of space when passing. If 4 feet isn’t possible, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop. It’s called being a good driver: “Don’t pass when it’s not safe. Wait until it’s safe to pass.”
While the Safe Passing Law is vital, it only works if drivers know about it – when, where and while they are driving. This is where you, our government officials, come in. The state has acknowledged the importance of clear signage, and approved standard signs.
By installing these official road signs throughout our community, especially on connector routes without dedicated bike lanes, we will significantly increase driver awareness and save lives. These signs serve as constant reinforcement of the law and promote safer driving habits.
Which Road Signs?
There are two road signs which are most appropriate for use in our communities to promote and reinforce the New Jersey Safe Passing Law.
The “4FT” law sign is most appropriate on roadways where there is not a usable shoulder or bike lane to ride on. The assumption is that traffic volume is low and motor vehicles will have ample opportunities to make a safe pass of a person riding a bike.
The “Allowed Use Of Full Lane”, (formerly MAY USE), sign is more appropriate on high congestion, slower travel speed “downtown” roads where it is less appropriate for motor vehicles to be passing people riding bikes. Adding painted “Sharrows” in the the middle of a narrow travel road help to reinforce
Yard Signs for Road Signs?
To help raise awareness for the need for official road signs in your community, you can plant Safe Passing Law yard signs now. Properties owned by the municipality, board of education and other tax payer supported properties are good prospects for locating these these signs. You can pick up free Safe Passing Law yard signs at any of these bike shops.
You can find the full text and details of the Safe Passing Law here:
