POINT PLEASANT — The mayor and council adopted ordinances to update electric vehicle regulations and establish a memorial tree program at their meeting on Monday, March 23.
The borough council previously adopted an ordinance regulating the operation of electric and motorized bicycles. Due to New Jersey’s recent adoption of legislation requiring uniform statewide requirements for electric vehicles, including e-bikes, the council updated the electric vehicle section of the municipal code to conform with the state’s legislation.
Under the new rules, any electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour is considered a “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle.” Any electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, not just to provide assistance when pedaling, and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour is considered a “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle.”
A pedal bicycle will be considered a motorized bicycle if it has a motor that either has a maximum displacement of less than 50cc, or is rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower. A bike may also fall into this category if it has an electric drive motor that cannot reach more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface or if it has an electric motor that is capable of propelling it in excess of 20 miles per hour with a maximum speed of no more than 28 miles per hour on a flat surface. Anything that falls into the category of “motorized bicycle” cannot be considered a low-speed electric bicycle.
Under the new law, operators of low-speed electric bicycles will be required to follow regular traffic rules, including obeying the instructions of official traffic control signs, signals and other control devices applicable to vehicles unless otherwise directed by a police officer. Such operators will be barred from using their vehicles in a “reckless or careless manner,” nor will they be allowed to attach themselves to any streetcar or vehicle or to “allow others to hitch or hold onto” an electric bicycle during operation. It also prohibits passengers from riding on a bike without a proper seat, trailer or other accessory that complies with current regulations.
A section of the ordinance prohibits low-speed bicycles, including gas-powered motorized vehicles, from operating within borough-owned property or recreation areas, including Riverfront Park, Community Park and Heritage Park. Those who have obtained a permit for use of the area for a special event, or are using a device only to increase the independent mobility of an individual, such as a motorized wheelchair, are exempt from this rule. The rule also exempts toy electric vehicles designed for toddlers, such as Power Wheels, where the maximum speed is less than 3 mph.
The penalties for violating any provisions in the section added by this ordinance include a $50 penalty upon first conviction and a $100 penalty upon second or subsequent convictions. No court appearances shall be required for a first or second alleged offense, but will be required for a third or subsequent alleged offense.
MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM
The second ordinance adopted creates a new memorial tree program that will “allow residents, families, organizations and businesses to dedicate trees in municipal parks.”
According to the ordinance, applications for memorial trees will need to be authorized by Superintendent of Public Works Mark Lane.
“Memorial tree programs are a widely recognized means of honoring the memory of loved ones, commemorating significant individuals or events, and enhancing public open space,” the ordinance reads. “All trees planted under the memorial tree program shall comply with the applicable municipal ordinances, policies, environmental regulations, and best practices for urban forestry, including appropriate species selection and placement.”
Request for putting green
During the public comment section of the meeting, two young borough residents – Will and Dan Crawley, who are 10- and 12-years-old, respectively – made their voices heard regarding the potential placement of a putting green in Riverfront Park.
“There are a lot of things I love, including fishing, baseball and most importantly, golf,” Will began, “but I only get to play golf one or two times a year. There are no really local courses, so that is why we think if you put in a putting green at Riverfront Park. It will benefit the community.”
“The way we plan on making this green cost effective is by using artificial grass that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and doesn’t need to be mowed. Also, the town could run recreational golf programs as a way to make money off of it,” Dan concluded.
Mayor Robert Sabosik said he will consider the idea.
“I think it’s a great idea. But that park has certain restrictions on it from when it was built— before any of (the current council members) came up here. There’s certain things we can’t do, and one of them is active recreation.”
“Also, a putting green is good for washed-up, middle-aged athletes that can’t do anything but putt,” Borough Administrator Frank Pannucci joked. “So, we’ll see what we can do.”
Mayor Sabosik concluded, “We’re going to look into it. Maybe we can put it in one of the other parks.”
The boys’ father, Peter Crawley, said that after the meeting, the boys said they were both happy that the council let them speak and heard their suggestions.
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