Somers Point council tables e‑bike ordinance after residents urge more study

The Somers Point City Council voted unanimously on a motion to table Ordinance 17 of 2025, a proposed amendment to municipal code chapter 250 that would regulate electric bicycles on city bike paths and public sidewalks.

The ordinance, read into the record by the deputy clerk as “An ordinance of the City of Somers Point ... regulating the operation of electric bicycles on municipal bike paths and public sidewalks,” was put on hold after council members said they wanted more time to refine definitions and enforcement language. Under legal advice, the council asked for further research and resident input before taking a final vote.

The move followed more than an hour of public comment during which multiple residents urged alternatives to an outright ban and pressed the council to coordinate any new rules with the police department and local schools. Rob Hopkins, a Somers Point resident, said the draft “creates a vague unenforceable law that burdens our police department” and asked why police recommendations were not public. “Your proposed plan would push those children off a safe path and into traffic,” Hopkins added, arguing that some students rely on electric pedal‑assist bikes for school and athletic travel.

Several speakers urged education and enforcement rather than prohibition. James Marley, who said he has lived in Somers Point for 80 years, recommended school‑based safety education, registration, helmet enforcement and community service options instead of high fines. “The proliferation of e‑bikes is not the fault of the youngsters, so let's not punish them for it,” Marley said. Jim Oswald, who addressed the council as an e‑bike owner, highlighted noise and visibility concerns and recommended limiting bikes to a single rider unless the vehicle is specially equipped.

Council President Haberkorn asked for the tabling motion under legal counsel; the council proceeded to a roll‑call vote and the ordinance was tabled to allow staff to refine language and collect further input. At roll call, Council Member DePantilus, Council Member Garrity, Council Member Johnston, Council Member Owen, Council Member Dill, Council Member McGuigan and Council President Haberkorn each recorded “yes.” The deputy clerk recorded the ordinance as tabled.

Council members and several speakers repeatedly called for a clearer enforcement plan and for the police department’s written recommendations to be included in future drafts. Council members also noted the need to consider seniors who use pedal‑assist bikes for mobility. The council did not set a new date for reconsideration but indicated staff and the city engineer would return with refined language and, if appropriate, policy options that included enforcement and educational measures.

The public comment period that addressed the ordinance also included requests that council members consider recusal if personal involvement in walking groups or frequent use of city recreational facilities could cause an appearance of bias; Council President Haberkorn did not recuse himself during the tabling vote.

The tabling preserves the status quo on bike‑path use while the city works to clarify enforceable rules, enforcement resources and coordination with schools and police.