At the Morris County Board of Commissioners regular meeting on May 20, 2025, several residents urged the county to install roadside signs explaining New Jersey's safe-passing law to make roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Speakers said the statute in question (NJSA Title 39) requires drivers to "change lanes if they can" when passing a vulnerable road user and to "allow 4 feet of space" if they cannot change lanes. Rebecca Feldman, a Morristown resident, told the board the law took effect in March 2022 and that "these signs are actually approved and in the MUTCD. So they're complete and ready to be used, on roads where they would be necessary."

The request came during the meeting's public comment period and drew additional testimony from experienced riders who said driver behavior has not noticeably improved since the law took effect. "Since the passing of this law in the last 3 years I've not noticed any change in behavior of drivers," said David Sowers, who said he rides 4,000 to 6,000 miles a year in and around Morris County. He added, "I still have people roll their windows down and say get off the road or get on the sidewalk." Other speakers, including Paul Kizzic, John Story and Ray Morrow, described frequent close passes and supported targeted signage on narrow county connector roads and at critical points with limited shoulders.

Speakers asked the board to use approved MUTCD signs and test-post them on connector roads that the state and county identify as high priority. Feldman said she had a list of vetted roads and told the board the state Department of Transportation had "vetted it" and that the list had been intended for counties and municipalities. Board members and staff present noted several ways the county could respond: Deputy Director Shaw encouraged public participation in a local safety action-plan virtual forum organized by NJCPA and NJTPA, which can help jurisdictions compete for federal "safe streets for all" funding; Director Selland told attendees the county would "internally discuss and see what options do we have." No resolution, ordinance, or formal directive to install signs was introduced or voted on at the meeting.

The public comment period at this meeting was limited to three minutes per speaker; five named residents spoke in support of signage and cycling safety. Commissioners acknowledged the safety concerns raised and noted that road etiquette and conditions affect both drivers and cyclists. The board approved routine meeting minutes and resolutions during the session but did not take formal action on the signage request. The county's next steps, as stated at the meeting, are internal review by staff and further consideration of outreach opportunities tied to the local safety action plan and available federal funding.