Boardwalks are ‘pedestrian first’. Walkers always take priority. Sadly, too many electric bikes, scooters and skateboards make a lovely stroll on the boards a potentially dangerous adventure.
Over the past summer, we personally witnessed plenty of close calls. Boardwalk road rage too. We heard of serious injuries. None of this being reported allegedly.
Been on the Ventnor or AC Boardwalk lately? E-bikes everywhere. More unreported injuries and close calls?
It’s getting worse each year. Especially during the summer. Just ask Margate residents.
It’s only a matter of time. The illegal use of E-bikes will cause accidents and injuries. Possibly worse.
60% increase in ebike injuries compared to 2024. E-bike-related injuries up 60% this summer in the region
Lowdown on e-bike situation:
Local South Jersey officials want e-bike riders to take safety courses and follow car rules. Good luck with that.
What really needs to happen:
- More effective public awareness campaign.
- Large, EZ to read signage on Boardwalk. Current signage too small and easily ignored.
- Enforcement of local law. No motorized vehicles on Boardwalk.
- Register motorized bikes with City Hall.
- eBike users should have insurance.
Ventnor and Atlantic City must work together. Use Boardwalk security cams to identify offenders.
Who ya gonna sue if you get hit by one? Parents of the kid riding erratically? Sue the town that doesn’t adequately enforce local ordinance?
- Mayor Tim Kriebel serves as Commissioner of Public Safety for Ventnor.
- Commissioner Cathy Horn is Commissioner of Public Safety for Margate.
- Sean Riggin is the Atlantic City Public Safety Director.
Why are e-scooters and e-bikes allowed on sidewalks when they’re considered motor vehicles? One even hit my dog! Problem is escalating and strict penalties are needed, like fines for parents if kids are involved and confiscation for repeat offenders.
Ocean City’s lightbulb moment: Apparently, it took OC Mayor Gillian almost getting hit to realize how big of a problem bikes (both electric and regular) are. More laws won’t help if the police don’t enforce them. Are we waiting for someone to get seriously hurt?
IN THE NEWS:
NJ fire officials say an emerging problem is that e-bikes are being modified with re-conditioned batteries to make them go faster. A re-conditioned battery that is overcharged can start a fire.
A 14-year-old boy was killed while riding an e-bike in Somers Point, New Jersey.
I agree that E bikes should be banned completely from the boardwalk. It’s just a shame for us people who are elderly and use the E Bike for assistance that the knuckleheads have to spoil it for us. I would be all for complete band of E bikes and also, regular bikes monitored for speed. The Ventnor boardwalk is very narrow to be used by both bicycle and pedestrians.“No Bikes OnBoardwalk”
Walked on the Ventnor boardwalk last night around 6:30, and there were at least 10 e-bikes zooming down the boardwalk. It’s an awful accident waiting to happen.
I live on Monmouth Ave in Ventnor and we see e-bikes flying down the street going the wrong way very often. It truly is an accident waiting to happen.