A point of discussion was the new e-bike ordinance, introduced at the city council meeting on October 21, with a public hearing scheduled for October 17. The ordinance, which proposes fines for violations, sparked debate among committee members. Concerns were raised about the lack of provisions for warnings before imposing fines, with the city attorney and a police representative clarifying that, in practice, warnings would typically precede penalties for serious offenses. Frustration was voiced over the committee’s exclusion from the ordinance’s development, with members highlighting the importance of educational initiatives to inform residents about safe e-bike use.

The conversation shifted to the need for consistency in e-bike regulations across municipalities. Lower Township’s existing ordinance was cited as an example, with suggestions that Cape May should align its rules for uniformity and effective enforcement. A committee member with experience owning an e-bike was tasked with spearheading efforts to address these issues, acknowledging that while local regulations are crucial, state-level control over e-bike licensing and registration limits the committee’s influence.

Attention then turned to speeding issues within the community. The committee discussed the challenges of enforcing speed limits, especially with limited police manpower. The recent installation of solar-powered signs on Broadway, capable of collecting vehicle speed data, was noted as a potential tool for identifying peak speeding times and informing enforcement strategies. Members emphasized the community’s concern over speeding, with some stating it was a primary issue raised during their campaigns. The possibility of inviting the police chief to future meetings was considered to further address these concerns.

Discussions also covered the pedestrian bridge project between West Cape May and Cape May, with $785,000 in grants secured for construction. The project requires two Department of Environmental Protection permits, and preliminary design work is underway. The committee considered how to manage e-bike traffic on the bridge, with speed enforcement identified as a potential challenge once completed.

Infrastructure improvements were also prioritized, with a focus on projects that could realistically be accomplished within a year. Safe passage through areas like Lafayette Street and the intersection of Elmira Street and Ocean Street was highlighted due to existing safety concerns. The introduction of speed tables or humps was proposed as a cost-effective measure to enhance safety in residential areas, drawing on successful implementations in nearby communities.

Budgetary considerations were discussed, with a suggestion to allocate around $100,000 for safety projects recommended by the committee. The need for clarity on how these funds would be utilized was emphasized, along with the importance of presenting a well-defined budget to the city manager. A subcommittee was proposed to update the city bike map, collaborating with local businesses to ensure its accuracy and relevance.