New Jersey cycling in numbers
40%
Bike ownership
4,000
Miles of trails
50
State parks
65
Bike friendliness score
New Jersey from a cyclist's perspective
New Jersey is a place of contrasts, and nowhere is that more apparent than from the saddle of a bike. To outsiders, it’s often painted as a tangle of highways and commuter traffic. But cyclists know better: tucked between the turnpikes and town centers lies a state rich in trails, coastlines, and steadily improving city infrastructure.
For those who crave a peaceful escape, New Jersey’s rail-trails and canal paths are pure gold. The Delaware & Raritan Canal route winds gently beside water and forest, offering mile after mile of uninterrupted pedaling where the loudest sound is often the hum of your tires on packed earth. Over near the Shore, the Henry Hudson and Edgar Felix trails carry riders through wetlands, woods, and small communities, eventually depositing them near boardwalks and beaches. These are rides where you can blend exercise with exploration, taking in nature and history without ever worrying about car traffic.
The state also delivers for road cyclists. Farmland stretches, rolling hills, and quiet backroads make for excellent loop rides. One weekend you can be spinning past horse farms in Monmouth County, and the next you’re tackling climbs near Morristown or tracing the coastal routes down by Sandy Hook. The variety is part of New Jersey’s appeal—you don’t have to travel far to find a completely different landscape.
Then there’s Jersey City, the urban side of the story. Once a place where bikes fought for scraps of pavement, it’s now becoming one of the more progressive cycling cities in the region. A growing network of protected lanes, traffic-calmed neighborhood routes, and greenway connections is changing the way residents move. While challenges like busy intersections, gaps between lanes, and the ever-present Northeast traffic remain, the direction is clear: cycling here is not just possible, it’s practical. More commuters are taking to bikes, and the culture is shifting toward making streets friendlier for riders of all ages.
What ties it all together is accessibility. In a single day you could roll through shaded forests, cruise along a historic canal, and finish with a skyline view of Manhattan across the Hudson. Few states pack so many cycling experiences into such a compact footprint.
For the cyclist willing to explore, New Jersey rewards curiosity. Whether your goal is a serene spin by the water, a challenging road loop, or an urban commute made smoother by new bike lanes, the Garden State offers it all, proof that its cycling reputation deserves far more attention than it gets.
New Jersey E-Bike Laws & Regulations
New Jersey currently treats low-speed electric bicycles much like traditional bicycles, provided they meet specific criteria. To qualify, the motor must be 750 watts or less and the bike’s maximum speed under motor power cannot exceed 20 mph. These e-bikes fall into Class 1 (pedal assist only) or Class 2 (throttle assist), and they do not require registration, insurance, or a driver’s license. Riders must follow the same traffic laws as cyclists, and helmets are required for anyone under 17. This approach makes e-bikes accessible while ensuring they fit safely into the broader cycling environment.
However, once an e-bike exceeds the wattage or speed limits, it is classified as a motorized bicycle or moped, which carries stricter requirements such as licensing, registration, and insurance. Municipalities can also impose additional restrictions, including rules about sidewalk riding and access to certain trails or paths. At the state level, lawmakers are debating legislation that could tighten regulations by requiring registration and insurance even for some low-speed e-bikes and scooters, a proposal that has generated pushback from cycling and mobility advocates who argue it could hinder sustainable transportation options.
New Jersey Cycling Weather
With rail-trails, rolling farmland, urban routes, and changing coastal weather, New Jersey’s riding experience varies widely across the state.
Sunny days a year
206
Riding season
March - October
206 sunny days a year
Riding season
New Jersey Cycling Destinations
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail
Flowing gently through the heart of central New Jersey, the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail is nothing short of a classic in the rail-/towpath world. What makes it special isn’t steep switchbacks or rugged climbs. It’s the serenity, the history, and the endurance test. On a 70-mile traverse from Frenchtown to New Brunswick, riders are treated to calm canal banks, old stone lock houses, rustic spillways, wide greenway vistas, and frequent access points into charming towns. Because the grade is so modest (just a few dozen meters of climbing over long stretches), it’s ideal for endurance cyclists looking to cover ground without leg-burn. A strong rider might tackle large sections in a day; more likely, you’ll want to break it up with lunch in Lambertville, dinner in Princeton, maybe camp or stay in towns along the way. Surface alternates between crushed stone, dirt, and some paved towpath portions, so bike choice (hybrid or gravel works well) matters. If you want a ride that blends history, landscapes, and long-distance rhythm, the D&R Canal delivers.
Columbia Trail
Nestled among woodlands, small towns, and quietly flowing rivers, the Columbia Trail is a gem for riders who prefer charm over challenge. At about 15 miles end-to-end, with soft crushed stone and hard-packed natural surfaces, it’s accessible to cyclists with butterflies in their legs: beginners, hybrids, gravel bikers are all invited. One highlight is the Ken Lockwood Gorge, where you’ll cross rivers and forested canyons, with a dramatic 60-foot historic trestle bridging the South Branch of the Raritan. The climb is minimal—expect one or two gentle rollers rather than grueling ascents—so the real test is distance and endurance, not muscle burn. Ride at a relaxed pace, stop in the village of Califon for a snack, enjoy river views. Pairing this with a D&R section or combining with nearby trails makes for a full-day outing, but even riding one leg of it will leave you with the quiet satisfaction that comes from being deep in Jersey’s Highlands region, far away from traffic and city noise.
Paulinskill Valley Trail
A rail trail rich with rural textures, the Paulinskill Valley Trail shines for those craving long, contemplative pedal time. Stretching nearly 27 miles through Warren and Sussex counties, this trail offers wide pastoral expanses, river crossings, old railroad history, and forest shade that lets the mid-summer sun breathe. The surface is mixed cinder, gravel, and dirt with some muddy or rutted patches after rain, so a rugged hybrid or gravel bike (or a mountain bike) is best. Elevation hardly feels like elevation: small rises and falls, enough to vary scenery, but not enough to leave you gasping. The full trail is a strong day’s ride, and many cyclists opt to attack segments (e.g. ~10-12 miles out and back) to make time or to mix with other nearby trails. Be sure to map your parking and resupply points—towns are fewer, and resources sparser the further north you go. For those who love sweeping distance, tranquility, and the pleasure of the journey as much as arrival, the Paulinskill is a must.
Henry Hudson Trail
With paved stretches, wetlands, shoreline views, and suburban woodlands, the Henry Hudson Trail offers a palate of terrain in Monmouth County. The trail arcs from Freehold through Marlboro, Matawan, Aberdeen, then extends north toward Atlantic Highlands and the water’s edge. For cyclists, it's a mix of smooth asphalt, occasional gravel/sand along bayshore sections, some road detours or gaps, but almost always scenic and rideable. The climb isn’t dramatic, hundreds of feet spread out over many miles, but there are moments of interest: views over bays, crossing old creeks, and ocean-air in stretches near Atlantic Highlands. This trail is ideal for riders wanting variety without major difficulty: moderate distance, neat historical and natural touches, easy access from populated areas, good for a long morning or afternoon ride. If you start early, you can enjoy calm trail sections without traffic, stop for lunch along the coast, finish strong as daylight lingers.
New Jersey Cycling Events
Cycling is very popular in Colorado, there’s a cycling event for every type of rider.
Tour of Somerville
America’s oldest major bicycle race, the Tour of Somerville, is a Memorial Day weekend tradition. Since 1940, the fast downtown criterium has drawn elite fields and big crowds. The highlight is the Kugler-Anderson Memorial 50-mile men’s pro race, known as “The Kentucky Derby of Cycling.” It’s an urban circuit, lap after lap, where speed and handling matter more than climbing. Tight corners, surges, and furious sprints make it thrilling for racers and spectators alike.
Event website
Bike MS: City to Shore Ride
One of the nation’s largest charity rides, Bike MS: City to Shore, runs from the Philadelphia suburbs across South Jersey farmland to Ocean City. It attracts thousands of cyclists each fall, raising millions for the National MS Society. The routes are scenic, well-supported, and accessible: from short 25-mile jaunts to full centuries and even 175-mile two-day challenges. With plentiful rest stops, SAG support, and a festive beachside finish, it’s less about speed and more about community and endurance.
Event website
Highlands Gran Fondo
Set in New Jersey’s rugged Highlands, this gran fondo blends endurance, climbing, and scenery. Riders choose from Gran (100 mi), Medio (60 mi), or Piccolo (35 mi) courses, each laced with timed segments and fully supported by aid stations. Expect narrow roads, wooded climbs, and Appalachian foothills—an east-coast classic in the Gran Fondo National Series. For those who want a true test, the Gran dishes out thousands of vertical feet, rewarding fitness and grit.
Event website
Jersey Gravel Grinder
This Bedminster-based event embodies the gravel boom, combining scenic dirt roads, rugged terrain, and festival vibes. Riders can pick their challenge: Soul (~28 mi), Adventure (~55 mi), Mega (~85–100 mi), or Mega XL (~125 mi). With over 50% unpaved sections, some singletrack, and timed climbs, it’s a blend of adventure and competition. The routes serve up forest roads, creek crossings, and rolling farm country. Post-ride, cyclists celebrate with food and craft brews, making it as much social as it is challenging.
Event website
Jersey Gravel Grinder Deux
A fall counterpart to the spring edition, Gravel Grinder Deux gives riders a second chance at the same challenging formats, this time with crisp air and vibrant fall foliage. Held in Bedminster, the course mirrors the original: Soul (~28 mi), Adventure (~55–65 mi), Mega (~85–100 mi). Riders face rugged surfaces, steady climbs, and spirited competition, all backed by strong organization. Cooler weather and changing trail conditions add a fresh dynamic to an already tough event, appealing to gravel enthusiasts looking for a seasonal twist.
Event website
Spellbound Century
South Jersey’s signature century, Spellbound, starts in Mount Holly and rolls through farmland, horse country, and historic villages. With route options from 20 to 100 miles, it accommodates both casual riders and century seekers. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, with just enough elevation change to keep it interesting. Fully stocked rest stops, SAG support, and post-ride festivities make it a friendly yet ambitious challenge. The 100-mile option, in particular, is a rite of passage for many Jersey cyclists.
Event websiteNew Jersey's best bike insurance
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Why Velosurance is best for your bicycle
Not all types of insurance are created equal. Velosurance levels the playing field by offering stand-alone bike insurance, where claims won’t affect your homeowner's or renter’s policy premiums.
| Policy Coverage |  | Homeowner/Renters Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Insured at Full Value | Yes | Possibly |
| Crash Damage | Yes | No |
| Theft Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Theft by Force | Yes | No |
| Theft of Accessories | Yes | Limited |
| Theft Away From Home | Yes | Possibly |
| Vehicle Contact | Yes | No |
| Personal Liability | Yes | Possibly |
| Permissive Use Policy | Yes | No |
| Replacement Rental | Yes | No |
| Event Fee Return | Yes | No |
| Cycling Apparel Coverage | Yes | No |
| Medical Payments | Yes | Possibly |
| Racing Coverage | Yes | No |
| E-bikes | Yes | No |
| Coverage in-transit | Yes | No |
| USAC, USAT and IMBA Member Discount | Yes | No |
| FREE INSTANT QUOTE |
Not all insurance policies provide the same level of protection, and many people only discover gaps in their coverage after filing a claim. We’ve done the hard work of reviewing the fine print. To see how plans compare, check out our insurance comparison.
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New Jersey's best bike insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bike insurance.