In New Jersey, as well as most other states, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle and, therefore, bicyclists are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. They have an equal right to be on the road in addition to being required to obey the same traffic laws.
Bicyclists must also follow additional regulations specific to them, however. For example, according to Title 39 of the New Jersey Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations laws, "every person riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right roadside as practicable exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction."
Additionally, all bicycle riders and passengers under the age of 17 are required to wear a safety helmet that is properly fitted, fastened, and within the federal standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as per Title 39:4-10.1. This helmet requirement is waved if the bicycle is being operated on a roadway closed to motor vehicle traffic.