Trenton, NJ – In a move to enhance road safety, New Jersey legislators have introduced a bill focused on protecting pedestrians and a broad range of personal conveyance users from motor vehicles. The proposed legislation aims to expand and clarify existing laws concerning the overtaking of non-motorized road users by motor vehicles.
Under the current legal framework, drivers in New Jersey are obligated to follow specific guidelines when approaching pedestrians, bicyclists, electric bicycles, scooters, and other personal conveyances. However, the definition of “personal conveyance” has remained ambiguous. The new bill seeks to address this by providing a comprehensive list of what constitutes a personal conveyance. Included in this definition are manual and motorized wheelchairs, mobility assisting devices for individuals with disabilities or age-related impairments, electric personal assistive mobility devices, motorized scooters, skateboards, motorized skateboards, roller skates, and other similar transportation devices.
Additionally, the bill proposes modifications to the existing definition of “pedestrian.” According to the bill, a pedestrian encompasses not only those defined under the current law but also any individual on the roadway outside of a motor vehicle, whether for work, emergency response, or recreational activities.
This legislative effort reflects a growing recognition of the diverse ways in which New Jersey residents utilize roadways, beyond traditional motor vehicle use. By including a wider range of road users in safety regulations, the bill aims to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone sharing the road.
The bill’s introduction comes at a time when there is increasing public interest in non-motorized forms of transportation and mobility, partly driven by environmental concerns and a shift towards healthier lifestyles. With these changes to the law, New Jersey legislators are acknowledging and responding to the evolving needs and safety concerns of all road users.