There are many motorcycle routes in and around the Jersey Shore, some more well-known than others. Whether you want to cruise down the shoreline or through seaside towns, New Jersey has countless routes you can take.
Roads that are good for motorcycle riding near the Jersey Shore include the Garden State Parkway and Route 9. You can also drive to Long Beach Island or Island Beach State Park to get even closer to scenic water views. The Jersey Shore is more crowded during the summer, so taking a ride during the off-season may be best to avoid traffic. Accidents can happen on any motorcycle route, especially if the road is unpaved or visibility is low.
For a free case review from Atlantic City, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call 1-800-529-4464.
What Are the Best Motorcycle Routes in and Near the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore is big, and there are plenty of scenic routes for motorcycle riding in the area.
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is a long, open highway with numerous service stops for motorcyclists traveling to the Jersey Shore. If you’re looking to take a very leisurely ride, go out during the least busy hours of the day and times of the year. The Garden State Parkway is a toll road, so keep that in mind if you ever take this motorcycle route.
Route 9
Route 9 is much closer to New Jersey’s coast and runs through many small shore towns. Route 9 takes you from the top part of the Jersey Shore to the very bottom tip. Some parts of Route 9 are more densely packed with intersections and red lights, though there are plenty of parts where you can cruise uninterrupted for a while.
Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island offers a great, 18-mile or so motorcycle ride through some of the most beautiful beaches of New Jersey. While you cannot ride your motorcycle onto the sand itself, you can take it for a ride down the island’s entire coast and enjoy the salt air and beach views.
Island Beach State Park
Take your motorcycle to Island Beach State Park for an eight-mile ride along the main road. You cannot take your motorcycle onto the beach, but you can ride it on roads and trails. Keep in mind that there’s an entrance fee to drive into Island Beach State Park, whether you are in a car or a motorcycle.
Which Jersey Shore Towns Are Motorcycle Friendly?
The Jersey Shore is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Jersey. It is also a great place for motorcycle riders to enjoy scenic rides along the coast. Below are some motorcycle-friendly towns at or near the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Jersey Shore. It is known for its beautiful beaches, and motorcycle riders can enjoy scenic drives along the coast. Ocean Avenue is a great route for riders looking for a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Asbury Park is motorcycle-friendly, with numerous places to park your bike while you enjoy a day at the beach. While Asbury Park is generally safe, it is recommended to park your motorcycle in more populated areas where people can see.
Asbury Park connects to various other towns along the Jersey Shore, making it a great place to start or end a motorcycle route.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant is a popular destination for motorcycle riders looking to spend some time at the beach or enjoy a scenic ride along the coast. Like many beach towns at the Jersey Shore, Point Pleasant can become crowded during peak tourist season, and traffic may be heavy. As such, you should prepare accordingly and always wear a helmet to stay safe.
On the plus side, motorcycles tend to have an easier time finding parking when Point Pleasant becomes crowded. Also, the town offers access to nearby attractions, such as the Manasquan Inlet, which may provide additional routes for motorcycle riders.
Manasquan
Manasquan is another popular beach town known for being motorcycle-friendly. It is known for its scenic views of the inlet and charming downtown. The inlet offers ample parking for all vehicles, including motorcycles, making it a popular destination for riders.
Manasquan connects to various other towns along the Jersey Shore, including major hubs like Asbury Park, making it a great place to pass through on your route. Manasquan is largely considered a quiet, family-friendly area, and motorcycle riders often enjoy the small-town charm.
Long Branch
Another great Jersey Shore town for motorcycle riders is Long Branch. Like many other Shore towns, Long Branch offers pleasant, scenic views and connects to other towns across the shore, making it a great place to stop along a motorcycle route.
It is important to be mindful of local ordinances as you drive along the Jersey Shore. Motorcycles are generally not permitted on boardwalks, and many towns, including Long Branch, may require motorcycle riders to use parking specifically designated for motorcycles.
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook is an excellent place for motorcycle riders to begin or end a route because there is a 6-mile paved pathway connecting to Long Branch. Motorcycles are allowed on park roads in Sandy Hooks and may park in specifically designated areas.
Sandy Hook offers beautiful natural sites for riders and is very popular. As such, you should be careful about heavy traffic during peak tourist season.
Cape May
Cape May is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful, charming beach towns at the Jersey Shore. It is known for charming homes and architecture, as well as a thriving downtown with numerous bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Many motorcycle riders enjoy seeing the history beach homes throughout Cape May. The town is situated near the very bottom of the Jersey Shore, making it a perfect place to begin a northbound motorcycle route along the long Jersey coastline.
What is the Best Time to Ride Motorcycle Routes in and Near the Jersey Shore?
New Jersey’s shore towns are most densely populated in the summer and on the weekends. Take your bike out at the wrong time, and you may end up stuck in traffic instead of cruising along the coast on your motorcycle.
Seasonal Travel
The summer draws tourists to the Jersey Shore, and there’s much more room for motorcycle rides in the early spring or the fall. Summer travel tends to come with very heavy traffic, and you should avoid riding at peak traffic hours to avoid potential accidents.
Avoid taking long motorcycle rides in winter and at freezing temperatures, as you may lose control of your vehicle and suffer serious injuries due to ice or snow. Also, be mindful of the weather. Rainy or snowy conditions are dangerous for motorcycles. Foggy conditions, which are common in coastal cities, may reduce visibility, making it very dangerous to ride your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Rides at Night or Daytime
Also, avoid taking a motorcycle ride late at night, as other drivers may have difficulty seeing your vehicle. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than trucks and cars, making them more likely to be overlooked by other drivers.
If you must drive at night, always have your headlight on and use reflectors on your bike to make sure that other drivers can see you. Try to minimize your time on the road at night, and stick to well-lit roads. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and a helmet with a visor that does not further obstruct your already limited visibility.
Rush Hour and Major Highways
Avoid parts of the Garden State Parkway and other highways during rush hour times so you don’t have to deal with traffic when you go out on your motorcycle ride in or near the Jersey Shore.
Accidents may be more severe during peak traffic, especially for motorcycle riders who are not protected within enclosed vehicles. Whenever you ride, be sure to always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet.
It may be especially risky to drive during peak travel times on Saturdays, as this is a popular day for tourists to check into hotels or rented beach houses. On such days, traffic may be busier than usual. If possible, ride during weekdays when traffic is likely to be less severe.
Where Do Accidents Happen on Motorcycle Routes in and Near the Jersey Shore?
No matter the route you’re riding on, low visibility, unpaved roads, and other factors could increase your risk of injury in an accident. If you get hurt because of someone else’s negligence, call New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, and he can file a compensation claim on your behalf.
Low Visibility Areas
Some roads in the area are not as well-lit as others, causing visibility issues. Bad rain or snow also contributes to low visibility, and might lead to a negligent driver striking you while you are trying to enjoy a motorcycle ride through the Jersey Shore.
To avoid accidents due to poor visibility, use your motorcycle’s headlight at night and wear goggles if your motorcycle does not have a windscreen attached.
Intersections
Intersections are common places along motorcycle routes for accidents in New Jersey. Drivers might not come to a full stop at an intersection, speed through a red light, or ignore a motorcyclist’s right of way. Accidents at intersections are common in shore towns, and pedestrians are also at risk of injury in these collisions.
Unpaved Roads
Unpaved or uneven roads, such as those found in Island Beach State Park, pose a risk to motorcycle riders. Even experienced riders risk losing control due to severely sandy or cracked asphalt. Only take your bike out on a road where you are comfortable riding, as single-vehicle accidents due to road imperfections are relatively common.
What Are Bad Motorcycle Routes in and Near the Jersey Shore?
While you’re in search of good motorcycle routes in and near the Jersey Shore, avoid some of the worst areas to ride your motorcycle in the Garden State.
Complex Highways and Intersections
Any road with numerous intersections, red lights, or stop signs is not ideal for long motorcycle rides. Roads with uneven pavement or particularly winding roads are also not ideal for relaxing motorcycle rides.
Changing Speed Limits
Choose roads with good speed limits for cruising so that you don’t have to make as many sudden starts and stops on your bike. Roads or highways that maintain a safe speed limit for many miles may be ideal for cruising.
Meanwhile, highways that pass through multiple towns may have different speed limits along the route, requiring motorcycle riders to speed up and slow down frequently, which can be confusing and not ideal for cruising.
Call Jerry About Your Jersey Shore Motorcycle Accident
For a free case assessment from Mount Laurel, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call 1-800-529-4464.