Westfield leaders on Monday described an expanded mix of education, targeted enforcement and intergovernmental advocacy aimed at reducing dangerous riding on electric bicycles after several recent student fatalities in neighboring towns.

Mayor Mary Brindle told the council she wants the town to act “as aggressively as possible on measures within our control” while urging residents to press state legislators for licensing, age limits and registration rules. The council’s Public Safety Committee has reviewed the town’s Safe Streets for All planning and discussed options ranging from targeted enforcement to extending the town’s existing park ban on e‑bikes to other sidewalks.

Police representatives said enforcement and education will be stepped up in schools and downtown, and that the department may impound bikes involved in violations. The department reminded residents that New Jersey law requires helmets for riders under 17 and that motorized bicycles defined by state statute (class 3) must be registered and insured. Local officials said registration requirements for most class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes are set by state law and cannot be implemented at the municipal level.

“Helmets are required by New Jersey law for all riders under the age of 17,” said a police representative during the meeting, adding that officers will reward compliant riders and take corrective action when riders break the law. Sergeant Gregory Penn, who was noted as knowledgeable about e‑bike safety, and other department staff said impoundment and court processes have been used in recent weeks; police described instances where parents later contested storage and tow fees.

Mayor Brindle said she supports an age minimum, mandatory safety training and a registration or tagging system so officers can identify owners without high‑risk vehicle pursuits. She asked town staff to outline targeted enforcement initiatives and for the police to distribute information to school families; the council said the Police Department would send a memo to parents through the school district and post presentation materials on the town website.

The council did not adopt new local ordinances at the meeting to expand the park ban; officials said some measures discussed would require state legislative change. Council and police leaders called on Union County to prioritize safety improvements on county roads through the Safe Streets for All grant process.

Speakers quoted in this story are listed in the attribution roster below and are taken from meeting remarks.