Police on the Jersey Shore are stepping up enforcement of avenue security legal guidelines and new e-bike necessities as busy seashore cities deal with automobiles, bikes and pedestrians throughout the summer time season.
In Harvey Cedars on Lengthy Seaside Island, police are utilizing a seasonal officer as a decoy pedestrian to determine drivers who fail to cease for individuals in crosswalks. Officers then go after violators, issuing warnings or tickets.
“We have been utilizing the decoy all summer time,” Sgt. Kevin Snow of the Harvey Cedars Police Division mentioned.
Seasonal Officer Greg Glassman watched as automobiles continued alongside busy Lengthy Seaside Boulevard whereas he tried to cross.
“Day by day it turns into an issue and a security situation for everybody making an attempt to go to the seashore, making an attempt to get dwelling,” Glassman mentioned.
New Jersey legislation requires drivers to cease for pedestrians in crosswalks however police say getting drivers to conform stays a problem.
“They nonetheless do not not get it. They don’t get it in any respect so it is a work in progress however that is why we really feel it is vital to do a lot of these enforcement particulars,” Snow mentioned.
In Margate, an 89-year-old girl was critically injured on Tuesday, Aug. 11 after a turning automobile hit her in a crosswalk. Up to now this 12 months, 94 pedestrians have been killed on New Jersey roads — the identical quantity as at this level in 2025.
Police are additionally specializing in the rising variety of e-bikes sharing the roads.
Below a brand new New Jersey legislation that took impact practically a month in the past, e-bike riders should be at the very least 15 years outdated, put on a helmet and have a license or allow. E-bikes should even be registered with the Motor Automobile Fee. Almost 12,000 e-bike registrations have been issued up to now.
Harvey Cedars police are checking riders for compliance however say they’re at present giving individuals time to regulate to the brand new necessities.
“We’re in just a little little bit of a grace interval for proper now, simply ensuring all people catches as much as the legislation that got here into impact. And sooner or later we will begin extra proactive enforcement,” Snow mentioned.
The state has additionally clarified necessities for e-bikes introduced into New Jersey from different states. These bikes should be registered with the MVC, however out-of-state residents can’t receive a New Jersey e-bike license or allow. That isn’t a problem for riders who’ve a sound driver’s license.
Police say pedestrians even have a task in holding themselves secure round visitors.
“It is good to acknowledge all people and ensure they see you,” Glassman mentioned.
This story was initially reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI instruments helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.
