By WILLIAM CLARK
The Ocean Township Council tabled an ordinance which would have placed regulations on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The ordinance was scheduled for adoption last week but was tabled after listening to a resident’s concerns.
Lindsey Siegle spoke in opposition to the ordinance ultimately swaying the opinion of the five council members.
“I ride my bike regularly through the park on my way to work,” Siegle said.
He highlighted the dangers that roads such as Deal and Whalepond present to bicyclists.
Some of the hazards Siegle listed were leaves, brush and delivery vehicles that made safe navigation of the paths more difficult.
“I would strongly urge you to consider upgrading the infrastructure before pushing people out of the park,” Siegle said in regards to roadways.
Joe Palaia Park and its substantial size within the neighborhood would pose a challenge for cyclists. Siegle said that getting to West Park Avenue is easier since she can take neighborhood roads, but being forced to navigate around the parkwould increase the danger of her rides.
Even Logan Road, which Siegle said has dedicated bike lanes, frequently poses hazards for cyclists. Garbage cans and debris block the bike lanes, forcing people into the paths of cars.
Siegle suggested signage and patrolling of the park pathways to help ensure that those riding motorized bicycles were encouraged to be safe within the park.
Siegle said that he uses his e-bike for transportation.
“I ride it to go places,” he said, detailing that he rides to work and to shop at stores on Route 35.
Mayor John Napolitani said the ordinance is in response to safety concerns that the council has been informed of.
“There’s been a couple of fatalities with the e-bikes,” Napolitani said.
He said he approved of Siegle’s usage of his bike but noted the township also has riders who don’t operate safely.
“Preventing me from going through the park puts me on the road,” Siegle said.
His comments led Councilman Rob Accera to make a motion to table the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.
Napolitani said the council will review the ordinance but sees an amended ordinance being brought back onto the agenda quickly.
With the proliferation and increased popularity of e-bikes, especially during the warm weather months, the council originally introduced the ordinance to curb some dangerous behaviors including riding through parks and on sidewalks. Certain models of bikes can reach speeds of 25 mph.
