SOMERS POINT — City Council is hoping to boost the safety of people using the bike path, which stretches along former railroad tracks from Somers Point north through the neighboring communities.
On Sept. 25, members of the governing body voted unanimously to introduce rules prohibiting electric vehicles from operating on the bike path, on sidewalks and in other areas of the city.
“There is a proliferation of E-bikes since 2022 and many municipalities are really wrestling with this proliferation,” City Council President Charlie Haberkorn said, noting that neighboring Linwood, with which the city shares the bike path, regulated their use.
He said the city is basing its rules on those recently passed by Linwood City Council.
“When you share something with somebody else to have a continuation, it was my judgment to put this on right now as an opportunity to look at what Linwood has, what we are suggesting and marry them up as best we can,” Haberkorn said.
Ordinance 17-2025 would restrict the operation of E-bikes along with other motorized vehicles.
“The increased use of electric bicycles and electric scooters has raised concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists on the bike path due their speed in a congested area,” it states. “Somers Point finds it necessary and in the public interest to regulate the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters on the municipal bike path and other public areas.”
E-bikes would also be prohibited on any city property, including parks, municipal lots, recreational fields, and public sidewalks.
The ordinance also prohibits other propelled vehicles.
“The use of roller skates, in-line skates, scooters, or skateboards which are propelled, in whole or in part, by any type of helper motor, is hereby prohibited,” it states. “The motor need not be engaged in order for a person to be in violation of this prohibition.”
They are prohibited at ballfields; running tracks; tennis, pickle ball or basketball courts; hockey rinks; piers; or beaches owned by, leased to or under the control of the city, including the road through John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
The police department is exempted from the provisions.
The ordinance also provides for penalties for scofflaws.
A fine of as much as $250 and/or seven days of community service would be levied for a first offense, rising to a maximum of $500 and/or 30 days of community service for a second offense and further to as much as $1,500 and 90 days of community services for subsequent offenses.
“In the case of violations by minors, the municipal court may, in its discretion, impose the alternative penalty of participation in and successful completion of a bicycle safety program,” it states.
Councilwoman Janice Johnston said she was happy with the product if not with the process.
“I’m glad that we are doing something about this. Obviously, this is a huge necessity that we do need to change our laws as far as E-bikes are concerned,” she said.
Johnston said she felt there should have been some discussion before the item was placed on the agenda.
“I’m a little upset that this is actually on the agenda without having conversation first, but that’s the way we do things,” she said.
Haberkorn said all City Council members were provided with copies of Linwood’s ordinances to review prior to the meeting.
He noted there are two weeks between meetings of City Council. The next is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 9, when public comment will be welcome.
Johnston said she would be pleased to hear from the public on the issue, noting “there hasn’t been any conversation with all of council or with the public.”
“I’m just hoping that this council as well as the public, please speak up and come forward with your ideas and your suggestions and let’s try and do this all at one time and fix this situation for our bike path and for our bike riders,” she said.
Councilman Sean McGuigan said the rules may not be perfect but would help alleviate a problem.
“Is that going to solve all of the problems with E-bikes? No, but it’s going to limit the problem that we have on the bike path,” he said. “I commend you for getting this on the agenda.”
Councilman Howard Dill suggested having the police department review the ordinance before second reading.
Councilman Rich DePamphilis said the city may find in the future that it is necessary to do more but “this certainly is a step in the right direction.”
Councilman Mike Owen said the rules address public safety.
“We want the public to be safe when they’re out there walking on the bike path and not getting smacked by an E-bike doing about 30 mph,” he said, noting that happened to a relative, who needed medical attention on the scene.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
