New Brunswick, NJ Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Section 10.36.030(J) protects bike lanes. The driver of a vehicle shall not drive, unless entering or exiting a legal parking space, or stand, or park the vehicle upon any on street path or lane designated by official signs or markings for the use of bicycles, or otherwise drive or place the vehicle in such a manner as to impede bicycle traffic on such path or lane. The same duty applies to a lane marked for the shared use of motor vehicles and bicycles: no standing or parking there, and no placing a vehicle so as to impede bicycle traffic. Any vehicle parked in violation is subject to an immediate tow and removal to a city vehicle pound or authorized garage, in addition to the fine. Subsection (I)(3) requires a driver overtaking a bicycle to leave a safe distance, but not less than three feet.

The chapter's stated purpose in § 10.36.010 is safe operation, greater bicycle use and lower traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. A bicycle under § 10.36.020 has at least two tandem wheels, either twenty (20) inches or over in diameter. Riders twelve and older follow the same rules as motor vehicle drivers. Subsection (B) has riders keep as near to the right roadside as practicable, and a bicyclist can move left to make a left turn from a turn lane, avoid hazards, pass a slower vehicle, use a bicycle lane designated on the left side, or travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded.

Sidewalk riding is limited in subsection (E). Nobody, regardless of age, rides on the sidewalk on Easton Avenue between French Street and Bristol Street/Bartlett Street, French Street between Easton Avenue and Baldwin Street/Bethany Street, or George Street between Morris Street and the railroad trestle. Riders twelve or older stay off every other sidewalk unless it is a designated bicycle route or multi-use path, such as the northbound side of NJ Route 18 from U.S. Route 1 to NJ Route 27. Rutgers University property follows Rutgers rules.