The committee’s discussion on ebikes was spurred by incidents of reckless riding and near-accidents involving pedestrians, highlighting the need for regulatory measures. Members noted the gap in existing legal frameworks, which do not require ebike licensing or registration, leaving enforcement largely unregulated at the municipal level. This concern was echoed by residents who shared accounts of close encounters with ebikes, emphasizing the urgency for action. Suggestions for local ordinances to regulate ebike usage were put forward, with the committee agreeing to advocate for the development of such regulations to the city council. This proposed ordinance would aim to provide law enforcement with tools to manage ebike usage effectively, especially during busy tourist seasons when the population swells.

The committee recognized that enforcement alone would not suffice, advocating for public education initiatives alongside potential regulations. This dual approach aims to enhance safety by informing both residents and visitors about safe ebike practices. The committee also suggested that any local regulations should be consistent with those of neighboring municipalities, such as Lower Township, to facilitate easier enforcement and ensure uniformity across the island.

In addition to the focus on ebikes, the committee addressed concerns about the adequacy of signage on the nature trail. Current signs prohibiting bicycles and scooters were deemed insufficient, leading to suggestions for more visible signage to prevent disruptive and unsafe cyclist behavior on the trail. A plan to use stencils to mark the trail with clear “no bikes” messages was discussed, as this approach would reduce visual clutter while reinforcing the rules. The committee also suggested enhancing signage at key trail access points to further deter cyclists and scooters.

Another agenda item was the status of the pedestrian bridge project to West Cape May. A committee member provided an update on the progress of the bridge’s design and permitting process. An $85,000 grant had been secured, with a $700,000 grant request pending from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) to cover the entire project cost. The member expressed optimism about the grant approval, noting community interest in forming a group focused on the bridge’s landscaping and maintenance.

The meeting also touched upon broader infrastructure goals for the upcoming year, emphasizing collaboration among municipalities to secure larger grants for comprehensive projects. The committee discussed the potential for joint projects and the necessity of having a focus on what each municipality intends to prioritize. The importance of a unified approach was highlighted, acknowledging the complexities of multi-jurisdictional projects where one town often takes the lead.

The conversation also covered recent changes in bicycle regulations on the promenade, which now restricts bicycles and scooters to operating between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. year-round, a shift from the previous seasonal restriction. The committee expressed surprise and concern over the lack of prior communication regarding this change. The city manager committed to investigating the matter further to provide clarity on the new regulations.

The police department’s report further highlighted enforcement efforts, with directed patrols addressing community complaints about bicycles and dogs in prohibited areas such as the mall and promenade. The patrols resulted in the removal of numerous bicycles and dogs. The report also noted a slight increase in motor vehicle summons compared to the previous year and provided insights into arrest statistics.