MANASQUAN — An ordinance amendment that will regulate the use of motorized electric bicycles in Manasquan was introduced by the borough council on Tuesday. A Sept. 18 public hearing has been scheduled on the measure.
Ordinance 2409-23 would set more than a dozen rules and restrictions for operators of low-speed e-bikes.
It states that e-bikes may not be operated on public property in Manasquan, including sidewalks, the beach walk, school grounds, recreation areas or the borough section of the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway.
Among the rules: No one may operate e-bikes faster than is “reasonable,” or in a reckless and careless manner. Low-speed e-bike operators must obey all traffic signs and signals. The bikes must have front and rear lights, as well as bells. No one may hitch rides on the bikes. Operators must stay to the right and keep their hands on the handlebars and feet on the pedals; no “fancy driving” or tricks are allowed.
Police are to enforce the new regulations. Penalties are $50 for a first offense, and $100 for a second offense.
The measure also states that any bicycle with an electric motor greater than 750 watts will not be considered a low-speed motorized bicycle and will be prohibited in Manasquan unless it is authorized by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Code and is registered, insured and ridden by a licensed operator.
At past council meetings, residents have shared concerns about e-bikes safety because of the way they are sometimes carelessly operated in town.
“This addresses what people have pointed out with the e-bikes with other traffic in town,” said Mayor Ed Donovan.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.
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