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Ventnor City to extend bicycle hours on boardwalk, formalize outdoor dining permits
Summary
The commission introduced an ordinance to allow bicycles on the boardwalk between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. year-round (with specific July 1–Labor Day carve-outs) and moved to codify outdoor-dining permits that keep a 3-foot pedestrian path and require ABC review for alcohol service; e-bikes remain a separate discussion.
The Ventnor City Board of Commissioners voted to introduce two ordinances May 22 aimed at clarifying boardwalk bicycle hours and formalizing outdoor-dining permits.
The board introduced Ordinance 2025-010 to amend Chapter 75 (bicycles, roller skates, skateboards) and set precise bicycle hours: year-round 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., with daily carve-outs during July 1–Labor Day (permitted 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 5:00–10:00 p.m.). City staff clarified that the ordinance covers conventional bicycles only and does not include electric bicycles or pedal-assist devices; ordinances addressing e-bikes (2025-012/013) were held for further discussion so the police chief can weigh in.
Commissioners said the change responds to residents and employees who use the boardwalk for commuting and to lifeguards returning home in the evening. Staff noted Chief Wooten reviewed the draft and supported the proposed hours on public-safety grounds.
Separately, Ordinance 2025-011 was introduced to codify the state’s post-COVID sidewalk-premises rules for outdoor dining. The ordinance sets permit standards intended to preserve at least a three-foot clear pedestrian passage along sidewalks, requires annual plan submission to zoning and police for approval, and confirms that restaurants serving alcohol must also seek ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) premise-expansion approval. Commissioners agreed to remove a draft seat-count limit from the ordinance and to proceed with introduction by title.
Next steps and context: Both ordinances were placed on the docket for first reading and will return for second reading and public hearing at the June meeting. The e-bike items remain tabled to collect additional input from public-safety staff before introduction.
