Mayor almost hits kids who ran red light
OCEAN CITY — Following an alarming incident in which he nearly struck two young E-bike riders, Mayor Jay Gillian is calling for state-level regulations of the popular transports.
“Two young E-bike riders riding on the wrong side of the road flew through a red light and into the path of my vehicle. Only the grace of God saved their lives,” Gillian wrote Aug. 1 in his monthly mayor’s message. “The near-miss shook me to my core. This is a situation that plays out daily throughout our town and state as more and more young and inexperienced riders obtain E-bikes.”
Gillian stated he had written to Gov. Phil Murphy, urging him to consider amendments to the laws that govern e-bikes to protect the safety of riders.
“I have been in contact with his chief of staff, who assured me that the issue is being discussed and that the governor will keep me updated,” the mayor stated.
In addition, according to the letter, Cape May County Board of County Commissioners Director Len Desiderio will raise the issue at his annual mayors meeting and discuss ways towns can work together.
The Ocean City Police Department has initiated a school-based safety education campaign. The Community Oriented Policing (COP) unit will address E-bike safety during the Ocean City Intermediate School’s fourth-grade orientation Aug. 25.
“During the first week of school, officers will patrol the routes to our schools to make sure E-bike riders are complying with state laws that require helmets, with a goal of both educating and ensuring compliance,” Gillian stated.
In addition, officers will attend school assemblies to address topics including E-bike safety, and Intermediate School students will attend a special presentation dedicated entirely to E-bike safety in October.
“As parents and as a community, we need to understand the potential danger of these motorized vehicles, which are much faster and more powerful than bicycles, and we need to work together to protect the safety of our children,” the mayor stated.
Gillian addressed the issue during the City Council meeting Aug. 7, noting Murphy responded to his email shortly after he sent it. He added that he had been in contact with the District 1 legislative team.
“Everybody’s working on it,” Gillian said. “We work on solutions and that’s what we are trying to do with the E-bikes.”
However, the mayor said it would take the efforts of the entire community to ensure the safety of these riders.
Councilman Tony Polcini, noting the issue is “dear to my heart,” said he is trying to get the state involved.
“I don’t think there’s much of a difference between an E-bike and a moped. Let’s just get a license, get people educated, and if you’re under the age, get a licenses if you want to ride an E-bike,” he said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
