Summer is a beautiful season in New Jersey. Summer 2026, however, has seen several pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths, making headlines throughout the state. Now, police departments and community groups throughout New Jersey are stepping up to help reduce the risk of dangerous crashes on the state’s streets.

Recent Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crashes on New Jersey Roads

Data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation reveals that in 2025, 188 pedestrian and bicyclist crashes claimed at least one life. Another 926 crashes caused serious injuries. A total of 6,131 pedestrian and bicyclist collisions occurred in the state in 2025. 

Recent news reports highlight the dangers pedestrians and bicyclists face on New Jersey roads. In August 2026, news broke about the death of a 17-year-old girl in a pedestrian accident in Newark. The crash occurred at the intersection of Bloomfield and Mount Prospect Avenues.

A few days earlier, a crash in Fair Lawn sent a mother and her child to the hospital. The driver fled the scene, prompting a police investigation and an eventual arrest, according to NBC 4 New York.

*Disclaimer: Petrillo & Goldberg Law is not directly involved in any of these cases. However, we do represent clients injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout South New Jersey. This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Reading this blog does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Community and Police Efforts to Create Safer Streets in New Jersey

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are making headlines. New Jersey has enacted a law governing the operation of low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes), codified at N.J. Rev. Stat. § 39:4-14.16. As the new school year starts, communities and police officers throughout New Jersey are keeping pedestrian and bicycle safety a priority. In mid-August, police at the Jersey Shore increased enforcement of street safety laws.

• Enforcement included assigning police officers to identify drivers who do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as the law requires. 
• Warnings or tickets are issued to drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians using crosswalks.
• New Jersey e-bike laws, requiring riders to have a license or permit, be at least 15 years old, wear a helmet, and register their e-bikes with the Motor Vehicle Commission, took effect in July 2026.
• Currently, officers are checking for compliance and issuing warnings to riders, but they say they may start issuing tickets soon.

The New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition continues its efforts to improve biking and walking safety throughout the state. The organization offers e-bike training for teens and adults, advocates for dedicated bike and pedestrian trails, and supports local, state, and federal efforts to make streets safer for everyone. Members of the public are welcome to join or donate to NJBWC to help support its mission, according to the organization.

The New Jersey Bicycle & Pedestrian Resource Center (BPRC) receives support from NJDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct research, provide education, and share materials on best practices in street and trail design. The organization’s website provides resources and information for those who want to know more about road safety in New Jersey.

Getting Behind the Wheel? Here’s How You Can Help Keep the Streets Safer for Everyone

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, pedestrians and bicyclists will still be out on New Jersey roads. Traffic patterns change, especially in schools and nearby neighborhoods. To help improve your safety and keep others safe:

• Say no to distractions. Commit your full attention to the road, especially at intersections, crosswalks, school zones, and anywhere traffic is congested or visibility is low. You’ll be more likely to spot bicyclists and pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
• Slow down. Give yourself extra time, so you can travel unhurried. Slow down in busy areas and near schools. You’ll have more time to see pedestrians and bicyclists, and you’ll also have more time to stop if necessary. 

Alcohol and drugs can be common factors in pedestrian or bicyclist crashes. Driving sober helps you stay alert and react quickly in an emergency. You’ll maximize your chances of preventing a crash, even if you have to think quickly to do so.

Contact Petrillo & Goldberg Today

If you were injured in a South New Jersey pedestrian or bicycle crash this summer, or if you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one in a serious accident, contact Petrillo & Goldberg Law, New Jersey personal injury attorneys, at 856-486-4343. Our lawyers work with support staff, experts, and other relevant parties to ensure that we address all aspects of your case. Contact our firm to discuss your options and remedies after a crash.