John Boyle, the research director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, has expressed concerns over a proposed bill in New Jersey. The bill, which would necessitate registration and insurance for e-bikes and e-scooters, may not be effective according to Boyle. He further noted that it could lead to an increase in unfair traffic stops disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Boyle shared these views in a press release dated May 22.
"E-bike and e-scooter laws nationwide have generally been ineffective or ignored," said John B. Boyle. "Requiring insurance and registration will likely lead to more unwarranted police stops targeting BIPOC riders."
The proposed legislation, S2292, is sponsored by State Senate President Nicholas Scutari. According to a copy of the bill, it mandates low-speed e-bikes and electric scooters to be insured and registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The law would apply to class 1 and class 2 low-speed e-bikes that do not exceed speeds of 20 mph.
According to a press release, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia was among more than forty national, regional, statewide, and local organizations that formed a coalition against S2292. They held a rally on May 22 expressing their opposition. Members of the coalition voiced concerns about the impacts of the bill such as making e-bike usage more expensive, hindering state climate goals, and potentially leading more people to drive cars rather than use e-bikes.
A study conducted by Northeastern University researchers involving over six million traffic stops in New Jersey found that people of color were more likely to be stopped by police than white individuals. As reported by Governing magazine, Hispanic or black people accounted for 46% of those stopped during the study - a figure significantly higher than their share of New Jersey's population.
Brendon Poh, owner of Cycle Craft - an independent bicycle shop in Parsippany, New Jersey - criticized the bill stating it has "nothing to do with safety or equity." According to an opinion piece authored by Poh himself, the bill would only benefit trial attorneys. He said that the legislation paves the way for a new category of lawsuits, enabling litigation over minor accidents involving low-speed e-bikes. While this could potentially provide personal injury firms with a new revenue stream, Poh questioned whether that is what New Jersey needs.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is an organization dedicated to promoting safe and accessible bicycle usage, as stated on its website. The group advocates for protected bike lanes and other measures that promote safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility.
