Governor Murphy has signed a law that requires motorists to give cyclists and other non-motorists a wide berth when passing.
The Safe Passing Law informs motorists when and how to safely pass a cyclist, pedestrian and other vulnerable road users (such as skaters and people on scooters or in wheelchairs).
If you’re driving and need to pass one of these non-motorists on the road, here’s what to do:
Move over one lane from the cyclist, pedestrian or other road user IF it is possible ANDSAFE to do so.
If no additional lane is available, pass when there is at least 4 feet between your vehicle and the cyclist, pedestrian or other user.
If neither is a safe option, reduce your vehicle speed to 25 mph. Reduce your vehicle’s speed even further if the posted speed limit is less than 25 mph.
Please don’t try to squeeze by a cyclist or other vulnerable road user, especially if you can’t see oncoming traffic.
Remember that cyclists ride as far to the right as practicable – that does not mean they hug the curb or white line. They (and others) need room to navigate around glass, yard waste and other debris in the road, bike lane or shoulder, and they hate potholes and bumps at least as much as you do.
Slowing down and passing safely likely will cost you just seconds, but your actions can prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities.
The law takes effect early next year, but please start following it now. New Jersey joins 42 other states with similar laws, so take these habits with you when you leave the Garden State.
A reminder to cyclists: bike in the same direction as traffic. It’s not only the law, it’s safer. Remember to be visible and be predictable. Pedestrians, you should walk in the direction of oncoming traffic as much as possible when in the road.
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If you missed out on a free bicycle tune-up at National Night Out, visit the West Windsor Bicycle & Pedestrian Alliance table this Saturday at the West Windsor Farmers Market. We’ll be there during market hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anything squeaking or rubbing on your bicycle? Need the seat raised or a flat tire repaired? Our volunteers will check if a quick adjustment is what you need to get your bike back on the road again. (Please bring a new inner tube to replace a flat tire.)
Speaking of flat tires, REI is hosting a one-hour virtual event about bike tire repairs on Thursday, Aug. 12 starting at 4 p.m. Registration is required — go here: Let’s Talk Tires
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Let’s keep your bike humming between annual tune-ups at your local bike shop. It’s all too easy to quickly give your steed the once-over and let your excitement of being in the great outdoors get the better of you.
Follow these quick pre-ride tips that will keep you safe while still keeping you … um…pumped up! Every time you ride, don’t forget the ABCs of bike safety. If something doesn’t seem right and you’re not sure what to do, have a bike mechanic look it over.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail – a 20ish-mile loop connecting Lawrenceville and Hopewell – is one of WWBPA board member Silvia Ascarelli’s favorite local trails. She loves to combine it with the D&R Canal towpath to help get her where she wants to go by bike (they meet near the historic Brearley House).
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WWBPA board member Steve Hagen’s favorite spot to bike is traffic-free.
You may be familiar with the D&R Canal towpath that marks the border between West Windsor and Princeton – but did you know that it goes for 34 miles, all the way to New Brunswick and Trenton? And that there is a second section along the Delaware River, with a sister canal path on the Pennsylvania side? (Click here for a map.)
WWBPA board member Steve Hagen shares why he spends many summer weekends on leisurely bike rides along the Delaware River.
Jan/Feb is the WWBPA Membership Drive. Help us help you to improve West Windsor in 2021 and beyond. Want to see improved Bike and Ped infrastructure, safety and education in our community? Support WWBPA through our membership drive. Select Join/renewbelow and donate today.
Did you buy a new bike during quarantine? Here is your chance to ride with your family, friends and neighbors along the Trolley Line Trail! On Saturday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m. WW Rec will be running a Community Bike Ride starting at West Windsor Community Park. You must pre register for the event – NO ONSITE REGISTRATION WILL BE TAKEN. Masks will be required during check in and getting ready for the ride. Masks not required during the ride. See attached flyer for more information. Hope to see you there!
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Hello everyone! My name is Maanya D., and I am one of the student advisors for the WWBPA. This month I have set a goal for myself to bike at least four times a week. To achieve my goal, I went biking around my community, with my friends and family, and even some of Princeton’s beautiful trail areas. Through my ventures, I realized that people are spending time with family and friends instead of their screens now more than ever, which is fantastic. Now that most people are continuing their daily lives virtually, we must remember the importance of going outside and getting some fresh air while also maintaining safety/health precautions. This can be done through a bike ride, a walk, a run, and many other activities. Personally, the extra time at home has allowed me to spend more time with my parents, grandparents, and other members. Overall, I think it is essential to spend some time away from our screens and with our loved ones during times like these. Thanks, Maanya D.
Hello everyone! My name is Maanya Devaprasad, and I am currently a student advisor for the WWBPA. Today, I just wanted to share a few of my experiences these past few months. As a high school student in West Windsor, I have used this newfound time due to recent events to learn new things, cook, bake, garden, bike, and, most importantly, spend more time with my family. As I look back at the past few months, my most cherished memories happened either in the kitchen or at the park. In the kitchen, I have been trying to bake all types of desserts for my family, and I gave a few of my friend’s recipes a try. In the park, I especially enjoyed seeing all the members of our community walking and biking around. As I biked around the park with my family, I loved seeing so many other families walking or biking. Sometimes I even go on bike rides with my friends around my community because it is one of the safest activities we can do together during a time like this. Overall, I’m happy to see so many people outside staying safe while also trying to make the best of such an unforeseen time.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Bicycle Collection WWBPA table near shed at the West Windsor Community Farmers Market, Vaughn Drive Lot, Princeton Junction Train Station, 9 AM-1 PM. Donated bikes will go to the Trenton Bike Exchange, which supports The Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County. Email wwbikeped@gmail.com with questions.
May is Bike Month. GMTMA and our neighboring TMAs are doing virtual bike month, sign up and ride anywhere, even indoors, they’ll donate to local food banks: http://p1.pagewiz.net/uyjq6wc7/
On Thurs, March 12, 7pm the WWBPA will be holding it’s annual membership meeting at WW municipal building Main Meeting Room A and is open to the public. Find out what we’ve accomplished in 2019 and what is planned for 2020. Have any concerns or ideas to improve the community? Come and share with us.
Movie Night Sunday Feb 9 at 3pm- “Bikes vs Cars” (snow date Feb 23)- free to attend – to be held at the WW Arts Council Bldg located at 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction, NJ. Come join us before the Oscars begin.
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Help us help you to improve West Windsor in 2020 and beyond. Want to see improved Bike and Ped infrastructure, safety and education in our community? Support WWBPA through our membership drive. Select JOIN on the left now! Join/renew and donate today.
Get ready, get set… Oct 12 and Oct 26 are the last two weeks WWBPA will be at the Farmers Market this year. Come on out and see us. Oct 26 will be the halloween parade too. Come out and have some fun.
With the Pace Car magnet you let other drivers know your intention to drive the speed limit. Pace Car drivers pledge to obey traffic laws to protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers. By being a Pace Car you set the pace and make West Windsor’s streets safer for everyone. Pledge to make a difference today!
Join the West Windsor Speed Limit Pace Car Program and pledge to:
• Drive the speed limit • Stop at stop signs • Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks • Yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections • Share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities • Eliminate texting and phone use while driving • Display the West Windsor Pace Car magnet on your car • Encourage others to take the pledge
Together, we can make West Windsor streets safer for everyone: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
How does it work? Simply download the form, fill it out, drop it off at the WW Municipal Office or WW Branch Library and pick up your car magnet.
Fun Fact: The Pace Car Program was created by David Engwicht, an international traffic-calming advocate and author of several books on the topic of reducing the negative effects of motor vehicle traffic. Pace Car Programs have been adopted by towns across the United States and Canada.
Does your child want to learn how to bicycle? WWBPA uses a proven way to teach how to ride quickly. In no time, your child will be riding a two wheeler without training wheels. Saturday, June 1, 2019 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the WW Farmers Market. Free for WWBPA members. Helmet required (or we have low cost ones available).
Come visit WWBPA at our spring opening participation in West Windsor’s Farmers Market on May 4. WWBPA will also lead a walk to the FM from Windsor Haven beginning at 9am. Be there….
All members and visitors are invited to attend the West Windsor Bike and Pedestrial Alliance Annual Meeting on Thurs March 14, 2019, 7:00 to 8:30pm to be held at the WW Senior Center located across the parking lot from the Municipal building. Agenda to follow and to include a few special invited speakers.
Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom due to Covid. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building, room D (lower level).
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 am to 1 pm every other Saturday from May 21 through Halloween.
May 21 — Ebike info and test-ride day at the WW Farmers Market
