Safety and security getting more attention on Absecon Island. Especially around our boardwalk system. The Atlantic City Boardwalk already features brighter lights and video cameras perched high along most of its length.
And this just in…. new street end ‘bollards’ will help stop unauthorized vehicles from accessing the Boardwalk. Bollards are built into the street, just before the on-ramps to the boardwalk. These traffic objects can either direct or stop vehicular traffic.
Authorized personnel will have ability to unlock and retract the bollard when needed.
Margate and Ventnor residents are growing weary of bike rack delay, delay, delay. When and where will they be installed?
‘Pedal assist’ bikes give riders some pedaling help, but they won’t run faster than 20 mph.
Some electric bikes can run without any pedaling. Speeds of up to 28 mph or more. Yes, we’ve seen this type of motorized bike on the Ventnor / AC Boardwalk. Often.
FACT: eBikes can be altered or built from scratch, getting past manufacturer throttle limitation of 20 m.p.h.
“Pedal assist” eBikes are designed and manufactured to assist the rider with electric power up to 28 mph. As riders know, even 20 mph is pretty fast. Imagine being hit by somebody doing 28.
Boardwalk Biking & Safety News From Ventnor and Atlantic City
Some local and state governments have reacted with a varying list of age and helmet requirements
- Connecticut requires all e-bike users, regardless of the top speed, to wear helmets.
- New York State law says riders must register electric bikes, much like cars and motorcycles.
- Utah bars anyone under 18 from riding an e-bike, when that vehicle can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour.
- Pennsylvania law sees e-bikes as pedal assist, with maximum battery-powered speed up to 20 mph. These vehicles require no license, registration or helmets but are limited to riders ages 16 and up.
In New Jersey, there is currently NO guidelines for the use of e-bikes. No surprise there. This is New Jersey, ya know. A bill is traveling thru Trenton as we speak.
The NJ Legislature has approved a electric bicycle bill. Would NJ Gov. Murphy ultimately sign it?
Allow electric bikes to operate legally in New Jersey. No need for registration, insurance or a driver’s license.
Did you know? ebikes are often used on streets as well as boardwalks, walking paths and sidewalks. Did you say boardwalks?
NJ Assembly politicians seem to want electric bikes to be operated on sidewalks… if towns already allow bike riding.
We love biking. Even electric biking. But they gotta be properly regulated.
Excellent benefits: less traffic and parking issues. Lower emissions. Less reliance on fossil fuels. It’s good exercise. Excellent way to meet people.
Will Boardwalk towns like Ventnor and Atlantic City firm up rules?
28 mph. That’s more than fast enough for a pedestrian hit by an electric bike and rider to be killed.
Press of AC: In South Jersey, electric bicycles would cause havoc if they are allowed on the boardwalks, promenades and bike paths that are critical to its summer vacation feel and tourist appeal.
Will Gov. Phil Murphy sign the bill into law?
Ventnor and AC need to review their boardwalk and biking rules.
The Atlantic Ave bike lane in Ventnor is risky. Speed limit is 35 mph. Neighboring town of AC, Ventnor & Longport have already lowered their speed limit, especially on the beach block streets…like Atlantic Ave.
Each year, we reach out to Ventnor Commissioner, Tim Kriebel, who overlooks Ventnor public safety. We always ask Mr. Kriebel why the speed limit is still so high for a family beach resort. Have you ever seen a full family trying to LEGALLY cross 4 lanes of traffic on Atlantic Ave? It’s not for the faint of heart.
If they cross at the light on a green light I see no problem. The problem crossing into moving traffic an expecting the care to be able to stop on a dime they should wait for the light unless the cars stop and give them the signal it’s ok to go
Electric bikes should be banned on the boardwalk. It is unsafe for pedestrians and other cyclists.
It’s not fair to e bike owners with pedL assist . They also should have a time frame to ride .maybe 6 am to 8 am .I know someone with heart disease who needs some pedal assist on windy days. It’s his only exercise and he gets outside more.
Actually what’s not fair is the additional risk e-bikes introduce on the boardwalk becuase of their 40-50 pound weight (2-3 times higher than conventional bikes). Your friend with heart issues wants the exercise? Ride on the street.