As everyone is getting ready to roll out their summer plans, I wanted to quickly share some Hoboken neighborhood updates on eScooters, the municipal budget and improvements to our waterfront.
eSCOOTER SAFETY LAW
In the last few weeks we’ve seen new electric scooters come to town as part of a six-month test program and I was proud to be an early advocate of this transportation technology. I know that feedback has been mixed and in my opinion resulted from a poor roll-out and awareness program.
As you may recall back in April, both the City Council and Hoboken Police Department advanced and supported the Lime eScooter contract. Shortly after that, Mayor Bhalla called to introduce a secondary operator, Ojo, whose scooters more resemble mopeds or vespas, and in my opinion, encourage misuse through tandem riding. I did not support this unfounded expansion as I didn't believe the administration had adequately addressed safety concerns before looking to introduce a second operator. Sure enough, the eScooter rollout made regional news both for having the highest ridership of any of Lime's markets in the world, but also for dangerous user error and misconduct that characterized the launch.
In response to the critical safety issues, I have authored an eScooter safety law which requires a court appearance and a gradually escalating penalty schedule for repeat offenders. The law also prohibits scooters from being operated within public parks unless they are being operated on a bicycle path or roadway through the park and is up for a final vote next Wednesday. I’ve long believed in advocating for new ideas in our local government and pushing Hoboken to think outside of the box, which means trying new things. I’m listening to everyone and working to address concerns and make changes in hopes that we can make eScooters work in Hoboken.