Residents urge stronger enforcement, education on e‑bikes and juvenile bicycle safety

Several residents urged the Long Branch City Council on Sept. 10 to address juvenile e‑bike and bicycle safety, saying many young riders do not wear helmets and that local enforcement is inconsistent.

Gregory Huberto and Tim Koszakowski cited near‑misses and injuries they have seen on Atlantic Avenue, the boardwalk and other streets. Koszakowski, a paramedic and ALS provider, urged stronger enforcement and education, saying he has repeatedly seen juveniles ride into oncoming traffic and that helmet use among children is rare.

Koszakowski described examples from other jurisdictions where targeted enforcement resulted in summonses and impounded e‑bikes; he asked the council and police to consider similar actions to protect riders and drivers. He said, "I don't want to be a first responder at a traumatic brain injury," and urged proactive measures.

Council members and staff acknowledged the problem and said the city is studying enforcement and legislative options. A council speaker said the city and police are "working diligently to try to put something in place," and noted that municipalities across the region are wrestling with how to classify e‑bikes and mopeds and how to enforce helmet and age rules without penalizing compliant users.

The council did not adopt a new ordinance or enforcement plan at the meeting but said staff will continue discussions and consider public updates on steps the city is taking.