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Police chief outlines education-first e-bike safety campaign, warns citations may follow
Summary
Local officials said they will launch a public education campaign about electric bicycles this winter, move to a warning phase, and consider citations in early spring if problems persist; officials also noted varying rules in neighboring towns and a countywide education effort.
At a municipal meeting, the police chief said local officials will roll out an education campaign to reduce collisions involving electric bicycles, followed by a warning phase and, if necessary, citations in early spring.
The chief described recent local incidents involving e-bikes and said, “we have had motorists who have struck e-bike users within the borough,” making public outreach a priority. Officials said the campaign will use social media and printed materials and will begin with a small pre-holiday kickoff aimed at new buyers.
Why it matters: officials said the quiet, fast-moving nature of some electric bicycles has raised safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers and contributed to several local incidents. To avoid immediate punitive action, staff told council members they are coordinating with the local board of education on an informational effort to reach students and families.
Details of the plan: the chief and staff described a three-stage approach — education, warnings, then citations — and said the major enforcement push is likely to occur in early spring after a period of outreach. “If you’re going to buy one of these, make sure you know what you’re buying and start there,” the chief said, urging residents to learn safe operation before riding in dense areas.
Regional context: the chief noted enforcement and local ordinances vary across the county. He said the Union County Chiefs of Police Association is attempting to produce a countywide video to support consistent messaging, and that neighboring East Summit has adopted an ordinance that largely bans e-bike use in its downtown. Officials reported Berkeley Heights did not yet have a similar local ordinance.
State prospects and next steps: the chief told the meeting the state assembly is expected to consider related restrictions in the spring, which could affect local rules. For now, council members said they prefer to start with education; staff will continue preparing materials and outreach plans and will report back before any widespread citation enforcement begins.
A committee member thanked staff for tabling the ordinance in September to allow more time for a considered approach; no formal vote was reported at the meeting.
