Long Branch residents press council for stronger e‑bike, bicycle and pedestrian safety measures

Long Branch — Residents pressed the Long Branch City Council on July 23, 2025, to tighten safety measures for e‑bikes and bicycles after several speakers described near‑misses with pedestrians on sidewalks, Ocean Avenue and the boardwalk.

The concern surfaced during the public-comment portion of the council meeting when Rosemary Mango of 10 Pavilion Avenue told the council she “almost got run over walking my dog” and asked for education and signage to keep cyclists off sidewalks. Harry Delaine of 448 Ocean Avenue said adults on e‑bikes were “speeding” on the closed part of Ocean Avenue and described multiple incidents where pedestrians — including a family with a stroller — narrowly avoided being struck. Colette Ricotte of 69 Oakwood Avenue said e‑bikes that can reach about 25 miles per hour raise particular concerns in pedestrian-heavy areas. Scott Beaver said riders sometimes perform wheelies and travel at “a high rate of speed.”

Why it matters: Residents said fast-moving bicycles and e‑bikes create immediate public-safety risks for beachgoers, people walking dogs and children on or near the boardwalk and downtown sidewalks. Speakers urged a mix of education, prevention and enforcement to reduce collisions.

Council members acknowledged the problem and described several short‑ and medium‑term responses. Council President Raffens and Councilman Viera said the council has discussed the issue and supports public-safety actions. Councilwoman Wittes said staff should act “sooner rather than later.” Mayor Colon and the business administrator invited residents to use regular office hours and offered to meet with citizens to discuss communication strategies beyond social media.

Specific proposals and next steps mentioned at the meeting included: targeted signage at entry points to the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue, spot education by municipal “specials” or seasonal staff to inform riders of laws, and seasonal traffic-control measures such as cones to slow vehicles and riders. Harry Delaine asked that the city share enforcement statistics at the council’s next meeting; council representatives said staff would return with that information.

Discussion versus action: No ordinance, regulation or formal policy was adopted at the meeting. Council members described ongoing internal discussions and asked staff to investigate signage, training for seasonal personnel and ways to better reach riders who do not read city email blasts. The business administrator and public-safety staff were asked to follow up with residents and report back; this was discussed as direction to staff rather than a formal vote.

Clarifying details raised at the meeting included that existing city flyers and email blasts are not reaching the audiences cited by speakers, that signage could be placed on existing sign posts at key access points, and that residents want seasonal or event-based traffic-control tools. Several speakers emphasized that many of those riding dangerously are adults, not just children.

Council context: The topic drew multiple public speakers and multiple council comments but did not move to a formal ordinance introduction or vote. Council members said the city faces the same enforcement and communication challenges that other shore towns are managing seasonally.

What’s next: Council members and staff said they will meet with residents who requested follow-up, consider targeted signage and training for seasonal staff, and provide an enforcement‐statistics update at an upcoming meeting.

Speakers quoted in this story are identified in council minutes and the meeting transcript.