Ban on bikes, scooters at several downtown sites

April 6, 2026 Pascack Press
Bicycles were already a common sight in Westwood by the late 19th century, as reflected in archival images of local shops and riders.
Bicycles were already a common sight in Westwood by the late 19th century, as reflected in archival images of local shops and riders.

WESTWOOD—The Hub of the Pascack Valley has adopted a new ordinance requiring riders to “walk their wheels” in the Central Business District, restricting the use of bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and similar devices on sidewalks and in certain pedestrian areas.

The measure applies to sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots in the downtown, where foot traffic increases during the spring and summer months. Wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and four-wheel assistive mobility scooters are exempt.

Under the ordinance, operators of both motorized and non-motorized small wheeled devices must dismount and walk while traveling through these areas.

Officials said the rule is intended to improve safety in the busy downtown, which sees increased activity tied to outdoor dining, seasonal events, and warmer weather.

The ordinance was developed with input from the Westwood Police Department, officials said.

 A borough ordinance adopted in 1894 prohibited riding bicycles on sidewalks, required lights for nighttime use, and mandated audible signals when approaching pedestrians or crossings. Via Karen Hughes

“A safe and enjoyable Central Business District is vital to the health of the borough,” Mayor Ray Arroyo said. “We encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy everything Westwood Avenue and the surrounding streets have to offer.”

Borough officials said signage promoting the “Walk Your Wheels” campaign will be installed in the coming weeks.

The regulation echoes earlier efforts to manage bicycle use in Westwood. A borough ordinance adopted in 1894 prohibited riding bicycles on sidewalks, required lights for nighttime use, and mandated audible signals when approaching pedestrians or crossings. 

A copy of the ordinance reflects similar concerns about safety and shared use of public space more than a century ago.

Bicycles were already a common sight in Westwood by the late 19th century, as reflected in archival images of local shops and riders.

Officials said the new ordinance reflects similar concerns about safety and shared use of public spaces in the modern era.

The issue has also been raised in recent civic discussions. In December, Westwood fifth-grade Girl Scouts proposed adding more bike racks downtown, while borough officials at the same meeting reiterated that riders are required to dismount and walk bicycles in the Central Business District.

For more information, call the borough at 201-664-7100.