What you need to know before biking on the boardwalks this summer!

A bicycle may be one of the best ways to enjoy New Jersey’s famous boardwalks. Bicycling offers a low-cost way to experience the festivities of a boardwalk and the beautiful scenery of the coastline. For many families, bicycling is the centerpiece of a family vacation as the group activity can create unforgettable memories. To ensure that everyone enjoys their ride and is safe, there are rules for biking on the boardwalk.

To start off, New Jersey requires everyone under 17 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on a public right-of-way. However, exemptions from the helmet requirement are persons who operate or ride a bicycle (as a driver or a passenger) on a roadway closed to motor traffic – such as most New Jersey boardwalks. That being said, using a helmet is always encouraged.

Here are some of the famous boardwalks in New Jersey and additional rules to know before riding on them:

• Ocean City, NJ: Ocean City, NJ is a quaint, family-oriented beach town. The city’s boardwalk is one of the most spacious and cleanest in New Jersey. The summer bicycle hours are from 5 am to noon, May 15 through Labor Day. Bicyclists should ride single file on the right side of the boardwalk and use hand signals, ring their bell and call out when passing other boardwalk users. If you plan on getting off the boardwalk and onto the sidewalks, bicycling is prohibited on the sidewalks and must be walked.
• Ventnor City: Ventnor City boardwalk is a very pleasant and relaxing boardwalk great for walking, biking, and jogging. The summer bike hours are from 6 am to noon, July 1 through Labor Day. Biking is prohibited on the boardwalk after noon on summer weekends. As walking is the primary function of the boardwalk, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Bike speeds are required to be in a leisure speed. Always remember to bike on a bike designated path on the boardwalk.
• Atlantic City: Atlantic City boasts 4 miles of boardwalk. If you don’t want to walk the whole length of the boardwalk, bicycling is one of the best options to explore and enjoy the spectacular views. The summer bicycle hours are from 6 am to noon, May 15 through September 15. From September 15 to May 14, bicycling is only prohibited between 4 pm and 7 pm. Twenty-four-hour riding is permitted from Connecticut Avenue to Gardner’s Basin. Bicycling is not permitted on the sidewalks on some of the area streets. There are signs indicating restrictions, so make sure to read the signs. Bike speeds are required to be on leisure speed.
• Belmar: Belmar is one of the most popular summer destinations for families in New Jersey. The summer bike hours are from 6 am to 9 am May 1 through September 30. Bikes are allowed anytime on the boardwalk between October 1 and April 30. When parking bikes, keep in mind that bikes aren’t allowed to be placed within 15 feet of the beach entrance gate.

Lastly, a tip for all bikers, always lock your bicycles! Hope you all enjoy your summer and bike safe!