Borough of North Caldwell Alerts
Borough Safety Message
- 🔗 New Jersey Micromobility Guide – 2025 https://njbikeped.org/micromobility/
- 🔗 NJ Bicycle & E-Bike Law Overview https://njbikeped.org/bicycle-laws/
- The different classifications of e-bikes and scooters
- Age and helmet requirements
- Where devices can and cannot be operated (e.g., streets, sidewalks, trails)
- Speed limits and transit rules
- Please keep in mind: always yield to pedestrians, ride at safe and controlled speeds, avoid sidewalks and restricted areas unless permitted, and follow all traffic signs, signals, and local rules.
- The North Caldwell Police Department is actively investigating these events as acts of criminal mischief.
- We are seeking the community’s help in educating riders and promoting safe and responsible use, as well as preventing further misuse.
Dear North Caldwell Residents,
As summer approaches and outdoor activity increases, we’ve observed a significant rise in the use of micromobility devices (bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), and scooters) throughout the community. While these vehicles provide convenient and efficient transportation, all users must operate them safely, with accountability, and in full adherence to applicable laws.
This advisory is being issued in response to growing concerns regarding the improper use of these micromobility devices, including reckless behavior that endangers both riders and pedestrians. It serves to provide education on the rules governing these vehicles under New Jersey law and local ordinances and to ensure all residents, especially minors, understand the expectations for responsible use.
All current and prospective micromobility device owners should review the linked resources, which detail classifications, legal requirements, and usage restrictions. These vehicles are often sold without clear guidance on who may operate them or where they can be used, leading to misuse.
To address this, North Caldwell and neighboring communities are prioritizing public awareness to prevent accidents and injuries. Riders are reminded to use caution in public spaces, yield to pedestrians, and maintain control of their vehicles at all times.
🚨 Summer Safety & Enforcement
To ensure public safety and protect shared community spaces, the North Caldwell Police Department will be increasing its education and enforcement efforts this summer. Officers will be monitoring for behavior that endangers pedestrians or violates laws and regulations.
The department’s primary approach is education and prevention to support safe and lawful riding; however, when necessary, enforcement actions, including warnings, fines, or equipment impoundment, may be used to address continued violations.
📘 Know the Rules Before You Ride
Many e-bikes and scooters are sold without adequate explanation of who may legally ride them or where they’re allowed. To avoid confusion and potential violations, we encourage all users and families to review the following official guidance:
Riding Responsibly: Everyone Plays a Role
Whether you’re riding a traditional bike, an e-bike, or a scooter, we ask that you remain alert, courteous, and in control at all times. These devices can create safety risks when used improperly, especially around children, in parks, or along walkways.
🚫 Respect Our Public Facilities: No Bicycles or E-Bikes on Courts or Fields
We want to remind all residents, especially parents and young riders, that bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and similar equipment are strictly prohibited on North Caldwell’s new tennis courts and athletic turf fields.
Unfortunately, we’ve already experienced incidents of damage to these new public amenities, which were caused by improper use of wheeled equipment. These cases are being treated seriously:
Report Misuse
Community awareness and involvement are essential to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all. If you observe the unsafe or improper use of e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices, please contact the North Caldwell Police Department immediately.
📞 Police Non-Emergency Line: 973-226-0800
🛠 Need Help Understanding the Rules?
If you have any questions about e-bike and scooter regulations, local ordinances, or safe riding practices, or if you'd like help inspecting a device to ensure it complies with state guidelines, please don't hesitate to contact Sgt. Suzanne Depoe, Traffic Supervisor, at 📧 sdepoe@northcaldwell.org or 📞 973-226-0800
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in keeping our community safe.
Sincerely,
Karl W. Strodthoff
Chief of Police
As summer approaches and outdoor activity increases, we’ve observed a significant rise in the use of micromobility devices (bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), and scooters) throughout the community. While these vehicles provide convenient and efficient transportation, all users must operate them safely, with accountability, and in full adherence to applicable laws.
This advisory is being issued in response to growing concerns regarding the improper use of these micromobility devices, including reckless behavior that endangers both riders and pedestrians. It serves to provide education on the rules governing these vehicles under New Jersey law and local ordinances and to ensure all residents, especially minors, understand the expectations for responsible use.
All current and prospective micromobility device owners should review the linked resources, which detail classifications, legal requirements, and usage restrictions. These vehicles are often sold without clear guidance on who may operate them or where they can be used, leading to misuse.
To address this, North Caldwell and neighboring communities are prioritizing public awareness to prevent accidents and injuries. Riders are reminded to use caution in public spaces, yield to pedestrians, and maintain control of their vehicles at all times.
To ensure public safety and protect shared community spaces, the North Caldwell Police Department will be increasing its education and enforcement efforts this summer. Officers will be monitoring for behavior that endangers pedestrians or violates laws and regulations.
The department’s primary approach is education and prevention to support safe and lawful riding; however, when necessary, enforcement actions, including warnings, fines, or equipment impoundment, may be used to address continued violations.
Many e-bikes and scooters are sold without adequate explanation of who may legally ride them or where they’re allowed. To avoid confusion and potential violations, we encourage all users and families to review the following official guidance:
Riding Responsibly: Everyone Plays a RoleWhether you’re riding a traditional bike, an e-bike, or a scooter, we ask that you remain alert, courteous, and in control at all times. These devices can create safety risks when used improperly, especially around children, in parks, or along walkways.
We want to remind all residents, especially parents and young riders, that bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and similar equipment are strictly prohibited on North Caldwell’s new tennis courts and athletic turf fields.
Unfortunately, we’ve already experienced incidents of damage to these new public amenities, which were caused by improper use of wheeled equipment. These cases are being treated seriously:
Community awareness and involvement are essential to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all. If you observe the unsafe or improper use of e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices, please contact the North Caldwell Police Department immediately.
📞 Police Non-Emergency Line: 973-226-0800
If you have any questions about e-bike and scooter regulations, local ordinances, or safe riding practices, or if you'd like help inspecting a device to ensure it complies with state guidelines, please don't hesitate to contact Sgt. Suzanne Depoe, Traffic Supervisor, at 📧 sdepoe@northcaldwell.org or 📞 973-226-0800
Sincerely,
Karl W. Strodthoff
Chief of Police