‘It’s overdue’: Hoboken cracking down on delivery bike drivers

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) — Hoboken is cracking down on delivery bikers.

They’re mandated to register with the city and wear yellow vests, but not many were found wearing them on Tuesday.

Hoboken Councilman Paul Presinzano was wearing his vest.

“I’m the one who introduced the bill, so I should be wearing it,” he declared.

Presinzano said the e-bike delivery bikers were creating havoc on the streets of the 1-square-mile city, riding on sidewalks and passing red lights. His “tests and vests” ordinance went into effect three months ago.

To qualify for a commercial e-delivery license, e-bike and scooter operators must submit an application, take a five-question test, pay a $5 fee, and wear a bright yellow vest.

“We did something holistically where we were fair for everybody, the drivers, and fair for the restaurants,” Presinzano said.

So far, 450 people have registered but have not fully complied with the new law by wearing those yellow vests. Andrew Taylor, a biker from Jersey City who runs errands on his bike, just registered. He was pleased.

“I think it’s overdue. E-bikes are a problem here in Jersey City, New York. I’m complying with the law. I have a vest and a license,” he said.

The new law is still in the education phase. Once enforced, failure to wear a vest while making commercial deliveries could result in a $50 fine per offense.

Shopkeepers all along Washington Avenue feel relieved that the city is taking action to control the bikers.

“We see an improvement, but it’s a good beginning,” restaurateur Armando Luis said.

Pedestrians, who at times held their breath in fear as they crossed the street, are thankful the city is finally cracking down on the errant bikers.

Wheeling her daughter, Liz Decker sighed, “We feel safer, particularly when bikers won’t stop at stop signs.”

They’re circulating flyers in three languages — English, French, and Spanish — warning e-delivery riders not to ride on sidewalks, obey road rules, and follow the new law.

Riders must register with the city and wear those yellow vests.

As the councilman pointed out, “You can get them to register, but it’s something else to get them to wear the vests.”

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