Hoboken implements safety regulations for e-bike delivery workers

HOBOKEN, N.J. (PIX11) -- E-bike delivery workers in Hoboken are now being mandated to register and obey certain rules.

The mayor calls it a public safety matter.

On busy Washington Avenue in Hoboken Tuesday evening, Mayor Ravi Bhalla engaged e-bike delivery drivers with one main purpose: to make streets safer for them and pedestrians.

“We don’t have any statistics on a number of accidents that may have occurred or what category they fall into but the vests are very high visibility for the purpose of safety, to make sure that the drivers are protected from on-coming traffic and to make sure cars can see the driver is in the flow of traffic or bike lane,” said Mayor Bhalla.

 It is all part of a law to crack down on out-of-control delivery bikers. In addition to yellow vests, the 5-dollar registration also includes educational training materials about rules on the road and this card with a unique I.D. number. Similar to a driver’s license but for e-bike operators.

Julio Cesar who has been delivering food for two months said in Spanish this is a way of holding his colleagues accountable. Something long-time Hoboken resident, Cathy agrees with.

“Otherwise, you don’t know who they are, they don’t have license plates, and there is no way to track them.”

“300 riders could be out here on a Saturday afternoon, so we want to make sure they are doing it in a safe environment,’ stated Ruben Ramos, Hoboken City Council Member.

City officials say e-bike delivery drivers are a welcome part of the Hoboken community but noted law enforcement agents will be on the lookout for those breaking the rules. Riders can be hit with a 50-dollar fine per violation, like riding on the sidewalks or in the wrong direction and running traffic signals. 

“If you have that people can recognize you are a delivery, right, and then you have to be careful to secure yourself and secure people,” said Mamoudou as he was walking out of the registration line.

City officials told PIX11 News that more than 400 people have registered, the expectation now is that they all fully comply and those who have not registered yet, do so immediately.  A 5-question quiz is also required to become a fully registered e-bike delivery worker.