Readington Township reminds drivers, cyclists to follow law when approaching horses on roads
READINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Township officials are reminding the public that New Jersey law requires drivers and cyclists to slow down and proceed with caution when approaching a person riding a horse on public roadways.
According to a public safety notice shared by Readington Township, “in New Jersey, it’s required by law to slow down & proceed with caution when approaching or passing a person riding a horse.” The notice cites N.J. statute 39:4-72, which requires motor vehicle drivers to reduce their speed to 25 miles an hour or less when passing a horse.
The reminder also applies to cyclists, who, according to the township’s statement, “are supposed to stop and standby their bikes, or at least slow down and call out when approaching horses.”
Officials emphasized that “horses are flight animals & can become easily frightened when they sense danger,” and that “even the most well-trained horse can spook, bolt, or spin out of fear, potentially causing harm to their rider or themselves.”
The township’s message encouraged residents to “do our part to share the road & keep everyone safe.” They further noted that “if a person riding or driving a horse signals for you to stop, please do so and remain stationary until the horse has safely passed by.”
The message concluded with a reminder to “stay safe out there, and let’s all work together to make our roads a safer place for everyone.”
