Ventnor City Hall getting swamped with complaints about motorized bicycles on the boardwalk. These so called e-bikes are heavy and fast. Getting hit by one doing 30 mph will cause serious injury, or worse.
On the record for years: No motorized vehicles allowed on the Ventnor Boardwalk.
We’re going to increase fines because $25 seems a little insufficient. $200 for first violation. $500 for 2nd. Then $1,500 for 3rd, 4th, etc.
Ventnor Mayor Lance Landgraf
Listen to audio from APRIL 27 Commissioner meeting.
Social Media Comment: The real problem seems to be those who want ride their motorbikes in between pedestrians, speeding at 30 mph.
Ventnor City Commissioners really need to address the Senior ‘pedal-assist’ issue. Maybe a registration sticker / permit on the bike?
Ventnor Crack Down on Dangerous Boardwalk Bikes.
Motorized bicycles do not belong on the boardwalk. They can do 30 miles an hour.
Landgraf: We have bike lanes on Atlantic Ave. If you’re gonna ride that fast, that’s where you go. Residents disagree with Landgraf and Kriebel about dangerous Atlantic Ave.
Note: Landgraf is reportedly against a pedestrian friendly ‘road diet’ on 4-lane, Atlantic Ave. That’s according to former Margate Mayor, Vaughn Reale.
How to get the word out? Social Media not enough. Better signage needed. Place officers / staff at 2 key locations: Jackson Ave and Fishing Pier. Have volunteers hand-out flyers / warnings. Fri, Sat and Sun AM in early summer. Set the tone. Provide impactful education and warning. Staff wears neon vests. Make it fun, but firm. Get Atlantic City to join in. Call AC Police Chief Sarkos. He’s a great guy. He’ll participate.
Atlantic City has the same problem. AC Mayor Marty Small and Atlantic County Commissioner Ernest Coursey oppose enforcement of those laws.
There’s a concern for the elderly and pedal-assist bikes. I don’t think there’s any way we can differentiate those, says Mayor Landgraf.
The public session about Boardwalk Bikes will be at the next meeting.
Current ordinance. General Legislation – Chapter 153 Motorcycles and Motorbikes
MOTORIZED BICYCLE. The operation and use of motorized bicycles shall be prohibited on the Boardwalk.
A peddle bicycle having a helper motor characterized in that the maximum piston displacement is less than 50 cubic centimeters rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower and capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour. https://ecode360.com/8289194
This is excellent news. Let the fining of the entitled and arrogant begin!
Just because we have e-bikes and want to leisurely ride on the boardwalk, does not constitute that we are entitled or arrogant. I will not disobey the law. I just disagree with speed not being a factor on any kind of vehicle on the boards.
It’s not just about the potential speed of e-bikes. It’s the 2-3 times higher WEIGHT that will cause 2-3 times more force and damage in a collision, even at the same speed as a conventional bike.
It’s a simple law of physics.
Great and intelligent move. Please enforce.
And put large, clear signs on the boardwalk, telling people that if they ride these e-bikes on the boardwalk, they will be fined! And put some police up on the boardwalk too. Start cracking down hard!
I sincerely hope that Ventnor will consider a permit and or registration for pedal assist. E bikes for senior citizens to responsibly ride on the boardwalk. I firmly believe that riders of traditional bikes on the boardwalk are guilty of excessive and dangerous speeds I think that it is wrong to fault the bike. When really it is the individual riding the bike no matter what kind of bike it is, that creates an incompatible coexistence with those strolling on the boardwalk.
Perfectly said, Sharyn. I’d be fine with a permit or registration model for our e-bikes. Traditional bikes zoom in and out of pedestrians, and often ride in groups. They may weigh less, but I still wouldn’t want to be hit by one. Speed/reckless riding is way more dangerous to the average pedestrian-IMO.
Now if only those in charge could be convinced of the irrationality of their negative stance on e bikes Riders of traditional bikes when ridden inconsiderately and irresponsibly, and at too high a speed have no place sharing the boardwalk with pedestrians and yet there they will be while we have to take to the streets and take our chances riding in a bike lane that in Ventnor is way too inadequate and dangerous. This is a lose lose situation for so many older people and those with disabilities, who follow the rules and are considerate and responsible.
Fines are great. Enforcement is really the key. Add Enforcement at Martindale or Washington also. There’s a lot of Boardwalk between Martindale and the pier at Cambridge. JUST DO IT!!
I think we can all agree that many riders just drive too fast on the boardwalk. The e-bike is not the problem, it’s the driver. Many seniors need these to ride, any they aren’t the ones driving fast. I would rather see a speed limit and have it enforced. I’d like to know how many accidents have occurred from regular bikes and how many from ebikes and also the extent of the injuries. Has this even been studied?
We need the road diet to create a wider bike lane. Existing lane is often partially blocked by trucks, trailers, dumpsters, etc forcing you to move into traffic lane. Boardwalk riding is limited in summer givig another reason for wider bike lane.
there’s a few points missing regarding the motorized bikes
the entire length of boardwalk needs to be monitored not just 2 locations
more “eyes in the sky” boots on the ground- especially at high use times
limit hours when they can ride on bw
how to get them registered
After 3rd violation confiscate
With all the new rateables in Ventnor
plus the “beach tag” revenue I’m sure funding would not be an issue
How are other towns dealing with this?
like it or not we are a small town with big town problems
let’s put on our big boys and girls pants and make the right and enforceable decisions
BTW-I would think Ventnor would have big time exposure in a tragedy happens
Here is my concern – anyone on the boardwalk moving faster than someone jogging is going too fast. A cyclist going 20 mph on a bike, electric or not, it just too fast. Casual assisted or unassisted riding is charming, restful, and enjoyable to do and watch.
Meanwhile – enforcement for these occurrences is really difficult. Many people leave their homes without ID now and children may not have any.
My suggestion for enforcement is that there are municipal monitors on the boardwalk who have the rights to observe and the enforce these laws. Upon observing, monitors have the right to ticket the owner, and then lock the bicycle to the boardwalk rail with a city owned lock, and release will be arranged upon payment.
Otherwise this is just empty legislation and talk. Code enforcement is lacking in several categories in Ventnor, and this particular problem isn’t just Ventnor residents. It’s bordering town residents, tourists, and 2nd home owners in downbeach.
Ventnor needs to determine how to manage infrastructure, safety, and code enforcement for a population that is 6x its full time residents. We should be proud of the investments, results, and improvements with Ventnor in these many recent years, yet it’s falling short of the potential future.
A good portion of generation X and younger baby boomers are eyeing our town for full time residency for their 50s, 60s, and 70s, with a few months in southern states. We just are not ready for that type of support, traffic, and enforcement.
I completely agree that the big, heavy speedsters on these heavy motorized bikes are very dangerous. However, being a senior citizen and needing to exercise, the pedal assist is really appreciated. I think the seniors with the assist pedal should be allowed to apply for special permits. Keep the fines up and very heavy for those not having the special permit.
In regard to seniors with pedal assist. I think the speeding problem is being attributed to people with E bikes. In actuality, inconsiderate riders on all kinds of bikes and scooters are guilty of speeding.
There should be posted speed limits and if at all feasible, it’s the speeding that should be addressed and fined regardless of what type of bike is being ridden.
I’d be so happy if I could purchase a permit and continue riding responsibly on the boardwalk. This could also be a source of revenue for Ventnor.
I have ridden my tricycle on the boardwalk for several years slowly and responsibly, and I’ve never been involved in anything negative.
I hope this will be considered.
It is FLAT in Ventnor. You don’t NEED an e-bike. What you do need is EXERCISE. Put down the remote, get off the couch, and ride a proper bike. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
I understand the weight of an e-bike vs a regular one. However, the speed of both bikes should be considered. I’ve seen a group of regular bikers riding up to 20 mph. That can also seriously injure or worse. Let’s remember that there are people of all ages on the boardwalk. They should penalize or confiscate on the 2nd offense. Unfortunately, people will change their habits. Sad to see AC is not in agreement.