New NJ move over law protecting pedestrians, bikers now in effect

As stipulated when it was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in the summer of 2021, a new law designed to protect pedestrians, bike and scooter riders, and people in wheelchairs along New Jersey roadways went into effect Tuesday.

The date of March 1 corresponds to the first day of the seventh month after legalization of the new measure, a takeoff on the state's longstanding "move over" law that Murphy inked last Aug. 5.

While the original statute was intended to get motorists to slow down or shift lanes to accommodate emergency or construction vehicles on the shoulder, the new one looks out in a similar fashion for people in wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs, riders of bicycles or electric bikes or scooters, and public utility or property maintenance workers.

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In cases where those means of personal conveyance are permitted on roads, the law states, motor vehicle operators must either move to a lane not adjacent to the "pedestrian" if safe to do so, maintain a distance of at least four feet if a lane change is not possible, or if unable to utilize either of those options, slow down to 25 miles per hour and be prepared to stop, passing only if it will not endanger anyone else on the road.

Drivers who violate this law in an incident resulting in bodily injury are subject to a $500 fine and two points on their license; if no bodily injury occurs, the fine is $100 with no points assessed.

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com

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Best coffee shops & cafes near NJ beaches

When it comes to food, New Jersey is known for many things such as pizza and pork roll. Don't count us out when it comes to coffee.

With all the hustle and bustle involved in the average New Jersey resident's day, coffee is essential. It doesn't matter whether you're living in the cities of North Jersey or the vacation spots at the shore.

In fact, as the former owner of two Jersey shore coffee houses, Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City and the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove, I know firsthand how much people at the Jersey shore love their coffee.

With respect to that, I asked my social media following where the best coffee houses at the Jersey Shore were, especially since my two places no longer exist.

Below is what they came up with. (And see this other article for their coffee shop and cafe recommendations for Central Jersey.)