Westfield To Ban Electric Bikes, Scooters On Park Paths Following Rapid Number Of Concerns

WESTFIELD, NJ — "A rapidly growing number of concerns" has prompted the Westfield Town Council to take action and ban electric scooters and bikes on all park pathways, said Mayor Shelley Brindle.

"The use of motorized scooters and bikes is becoming an increasingly big public safety concern as they become more prevalent with ongoing issues including speeding, underage and unlicensed riders, disregard of traffic laws, and worse, a blatant disregard and disrespect of our police officers when approached," said Brindle at the Tuesday Council meeting.

The first reading of the ordinance was unanimously passed by the Council on Tuesday.

Anyone caught violating this ordinance will be issued a citation. Additionally, a minor caught violating the ordinance could have their motorized bike confiscated by the police and will only be returned to a responsible adult.

The ordinance will not impact anyone riding an electric scooter or bike to or from the park. Additionally, the large road surrounding Tamaques Park is not considered a path, clarified Councilman David Kiefer.

Brindle also added that by law, Westfield is unable to ban electric bikes and scooters from public roadways.

"Tonight's step is one that we can take as we continue to educate parents of teens about the laws and safety issues related to these vehicles," said Brindle.

Brindle is hoping the ordinance will also raise awareness for parents and the community as she said it is "primarily a teen issue."

"I saw it the other night, four of them going down my street, 40 mph, blew through three stop signs, including a stop sign right on North Avenue. It is frightening. And someone is going to get seriously hurt," said Brindle.

Councilman Michal Domogala said he also sees a lot of e-bikes and kids not wearing helmets.

"I am terrified, one, of seeing an accident or two being involved in an accident like that. If you are a parent or if you see teens not wearing their helmets, I highly suggest you tell them," said Domogala. "These are not licensed vehicles and they need to be careful. Having a child get hurt in town would be absolutely catastrophic."

Councilwoman Linda Habgood echoed the Council's comments, saying, "We all feel so strongly about the safety issues associated with this… It's very dangerous. We would hate to see a young person hurt. We hate to see anyone hurt."

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