Hillsdale Police Patrol Officer Brianna DeGennaro speaks to students about e-bike and bicycle safety at a May 1 assembly at George G. White Middle School. Photo by Michael Olohan.
HILLSDALE, N.J.—Some 400 George G. White Middle School students heard a blunt message from school and police officials May 1: ride safely, follow the rules of the road, and understand that e-bikes are now subject to stricter state laws.
Chief Travis Woods, Patrol Officer Brianna DeGennaro and Supt. Robert Lombardy spoke to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students during assemblies held at the middle school following recent reports to police of unsafe bicycle and e-bike riding around town.
Lombardy told students school officials were aware of reports of children “riding their bikes aggressively on sidewalks, surrounding cars with their bikes, blocking vehicles in the middle of the road.”
“We’ve heard about all those things and we know they’re dangerous,” Lombardy said.
In an email to parents sent later that day, Lombardy announced that effective May 4, e-bikes would no longer be permitted on Hillsdale Public Schools property. Traditional bicycles remain permitted.
Police officials explained the basics of a new statewide e-bike law that fully takes effect July 19. Under the law, e-bikes must be registered and insured, and riders must be properly licensed and wear helmets, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
DeGennaro asked students how many owned e-bikes or e-scooters, with several raising their hands. She noted middle school students are generally too young to legally operate e-bikes under the new requirements.
Woods said the department’s current focus is education, not punishment.
“What we’re asking for you to do is to do the right thing,” Woods told students. “E-bikes, you’re too young to drive them.”
He urged students riding traditional bicycles to obey traffic rules, wear helmets and ride respectfully around motorists and pedestrians.
Officials emphasized that cyclists must ride with traffic, obey stop signs and signals, and yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. Woods also warned students against swerving near cars or blocking traffic in groups, saying such behavior creates dangerous blind-spot situations for drivers and riders alike.
Police noted that injuries often result from unsafe riding behavior and warned students not to flee when approached by officers.
Lombardy told students that incidents involving kids being “knuckleheads” on bikes or e-bikes can pull police officers away from more urgent emergencies elsewhere in town.
Woods later told Pascack Press that parents and guardians should familiarize themselves with the new e-bike requirements and reinforce safe riding habits at home.
“While we fully support and encourage children to enjoy riding bicycles, it is essential that they do so safely, responsibly, and in accordance with the law, Woods said.