E-Bike Rider Wanted, 'Put Lives Of Others At Risk', Bernards Township Police Say

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — An electric bike rider is wanted by police for putting the lives of others on the road, pedestrians, and himself at risk, Bernards Township Police said on Wednesday. (See videobelow)

"The actions of this operator have not only put the lives of others on the roadway at risk, but those pedestrians in the area, as well as the bike operator himself. With the increase in deadly traffic crashes involving e-bikes, behavior like this needs to be addressed and stopped," said police.

Police released dash camera footage on Wednesday of the incident that happened on Nov. 6 for residents to view and help identify the rider.

"We’ve tried to be informative regarding e-bikes, their dangers, and safety precautions surrounding these new methods of transportation. We’ve conducted many enforcement operations (tickets, motor vehicle stops, community outreach) for operators of these bikes," said police. "However, situations like the one presented below need to be addressed. Operators (more specifically, this operator) of these high-speed bikes have now crossed the line from traffic offenses to criminal acts."

On Nov. 6, an operator of an e-bike, who appears to be a juvenile male, sped past a patrol vehicle at around 55mph by radar units, said police.

The E-bike then passed a stopped vehicle at a stop sign, cut across the front lawn of a home, and continued to ride the bike at a high rate of speed on Church Street, said police.

The officer tried to stop the bike, but the rider ignored the patrol officer's emergency lights and sirens, said police.

"Instead, the operator sped up his bike, passed vehicles that were rightfully stopped for a patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated, and attempted to elude the officer," said police.

Once out of view of the patrol vehicle’s dash camera, police said the biker was seen operating his bike over a footbridge, in violation of a further Title 39 statute.

"Parents — if your child has an e-bike, please take the time to have serious conversations with them regarding their behavior on these bikes and the requirement to follow all traffic laws. We also ask that parents investigate whether your child’s e-bike is capable of speeds over the maximum allowed under law, which is 20mph," said police.

If anyone is able to identify the operator in question, contact Bernards Township Police at 908-766-1122.

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