Public Safety and Security Policy

 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy on Public Safety and Security is to provide a safe and secure environment that is conducive to the education, employment, and daily activities of our community, while serving everyone with respect, fairness, and compassion.  

POLICY

Public Safety is a significant asset for the College. The College and its Board of Trustees (“Board”) are committed to providing a safe and secure environment supported by transparency, inclusion, and respect for all in the daily activities of our community. 

The Board delegates to the President the responsibility to develop procedures and a system of internal controls for Public Safety and Security. The Office of Public Safety and Security will be responsible for implementing this policy. 

Approved: February 2022 
Approved by: Board of Trustees 
Category: Public Safety and Security 
Subcategory: Public Safety and Security 
Scheduled for Review: February 2025 
Responsible Department: Office of Public Safety and Security 


Procedures

Procedure on Small Personal Electric Vehicles (E-Scooters, E-Bikes, E-Hoverboards, Etc.)

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Procedure Is to set forth the basic guidelines for small personal electric vehicle operation around the College campuses.

II. PERSONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLES

With the increase in popularity and usage of personal electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), there has been an increase in accidents and injuries to both operators and pedestrians. The College prioritizes the safety of the campus community and is providing guidance for the safe operation, storage and charging of all e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards, etc., while permitting students, faculty and staff to benefit from the ease and convenience these devices provide.

This guidance includes laws of the State of New Jersey that apply to the operators of motor vehicles, bicycles and personal electric vehicles (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards, etc.) All motor vehicle laws applicable to motor vehicles and/or e-bicycles/scooters will be enforced as needed for the safety of our community. These guidelines apply to all students, faculty, staff and visitors who use any type of small personal electric vehicle for personal transportation on College property. This policy does not apply to personal electric devices designed for and used to accommodate persons with mobility restrictions. Operators of Personal Electric Vehicles assume all risks associated with their operation on Hudson County Community College campuses.

  1. Electronic Bikes (E-Bikes)
    1. Low-speed electric bicycles(“e-bikes”), whose speeds are under 20 miles per hour, must follow all the regulations established for traditional bicycles. This means there is no need for a license or registration. E-bikes that can achieve speeds between 20 miles per hours and 28 miles per hour now fall under a different classification; these vehicles require a driver’s license and registration from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  2. Electronic Scooters (E-Scooters)

    1. Electronic Scooters (“e-scooters”) must follow all the laws that apply to e-bikes. E-scooters may not exceed speed limits of the College and are not permitted in College parking decks or facilities. No motorized vehicles, other than those used for documented disabilities, are permitted in buildings owned or operated by the College.
III. OPERATION
  1. Riding any personal electric vehicle(s) is prohibited on public sidewalks.
  2. Operators of small personal electric vehicle(s) must follow all rules of the road. This includes, but is not limited to, stopping at stop signs and stop lights, yielding and following the speed limit and the direction of traffic.
  3. Operators’ personal electric vehicle(s) must yield to pedestrians on walkways and sidewalks.
  4. All personal electric vehicle(s) are permitted to be ridden on designated roadways on campus.
  5. Operators of personal electric vehicle(s) should stay to the right on all roadways, and pedestrians have the right of way. Low-speed e-bikes, whose speeds are under 20 miles per hour, must follow all the regulations established for traditional bicycles. This means there is no need for a license or registration. E-bikes that can achieve speeds between 20 miles per hours and 28 miles per hour now fall under a different classification; these vehicles require a driver’s license and registration from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
III. STORAGE AND CHARGING
  1. Storage of the vehicle(s) inside any College owned or operated building or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion. This includes stairwells, hallways, and common areas.
  2. Charging of these vehicle(s) inside any College owned or operated building, or other facility, is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion.
  3. Bringing any personal electric vehicle(s) inside any College owned building or facility for any amount of time is strictly prohibited.
  4. Storage is permitted outside of academic buildings in the designated areas or at one of the College’s provided racks where they can be secured.
  5. Outside storage and/or parking of all personal electric vehicle(s) is not permitted to impede pedestrian and wheelchair access.
III. SAFETY
  1. Helmets are recommended for all users and required for anyone under 17 years of age.
  2. Personal electric vehicles should never be used under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
  3. Personal electric vehicles are meant for single riders only.
  4. Personal electric vehicles should be operated at a low speed in the presence of pedestrians, and pedestrians always have the right of way.

 

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