PASCACK VALLEY AREA, N.J.—Parents, police, and local youth are being called to action after growing complaints about teens riding bikes and e-bikes recklessly in Hillsdale and Westwood.
From weaving through traffic to shouting taunts, and anecdotally contributing to one fender-bender, some local youth are drawing criticism—and calls for corrective consequences.
Several speaking out say they worry alleged “teen terrors” or “this Westwood biker gang” are going to cause a serious, even fatal, accident. And they report this is all taking a hit on foot traffic downtown.
Hillsdale Voices Concerns
At Hillsdale’s May 6 council meeting, resident Gerry Beatty said she was fed up with “kids behaving badly,” citing reports of teens zipping through traffic, crowds, and parking lots.
Police Chief Travis Woods, sworn in May 13, said officers are stepping up patrols in problem areas and urged residents to call the police desk at (201) 664-4200 to report dangerous behavior in real time. He emphasized that 911 should be reserved for emergencies.
“We have a no-tolerance policy for what they’re doing,” Woods said. He added that Sgt. David Sayers recently spoke to teens at the recent Fire Department carnival to explain the rules—and encouraged parents to reinforce the message at home.
Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk said she narrowly avoided a collision when teens swooped “one inch next to my car.” Council President Clemente Osso raised concerns about electric bikes, which can reach high speeds and are regulated under separate state guidelines. Woods said he would review the latest e-bike laws.
A May 7 Hillsdale Police Department Facebook post warned that bike riders ignoring traffic laws put everyone at risk: “Bike safety is not just a personal responsibility—it’s a community responsibility.”
Westwood Responds
In Westwood, complaints about rude, reckless bike riders prompted May 9 statements from Police Chief Michael Pontillo and Mayor Ray Arroyo.
Pontillo said his department has made enforcement efforts “not only this past two weeks but also prior to that,” and noted, “We are governed by strict regulations when it comes to juvenile matters and we must adhere to them.”
“I am hopeful that with some good parenting, community input, and educating our juvenile populations that we will see a decrease in the complaints about this type of behavior moving forward,” Pontillo added.
An AI-generated image accompanying the police department’s post showed four teen boys popping wheelies on a suburban street. The post acknowledged “a growing number of complaints,” especially in the Central Business District, and warned that unsafe or non-compliant bikes could be impounded.
“While we fully support outdoor activity and youth independence,” the statement read, “that must be balanced with responsibility and public safety.”
Arroyo weighed in: “In speaking with my fellow Pascack Valley mayors, [we agree] this is not an issue peculiar to Westwood youth. And the issue is not widespread among our youth.”
“Rude behavior absent a statutory or local ordinance violation is not sufficient grounds for PD intervention,” Arroyo continued. “However, in light of increased complaints, [WPD] will necessarily ratchet up enforcement of regulations and infractions that violate the rules of the road. Violators will be held accountable.” He urged parents to advise their children accordingly.
Public Weighs In
Online reactions ranged from supportive to outraged.
“Parents need to discipline their children on how to act in public,” one commenter said. Another recalled being brought home by police for not wearing a helmet—and having their bike confiscated.
Some said they’ve called police and gotten no response. Others praised local departments for doing what they can.
A few posters pointed to a lack of bike racks downtown, which leads to bikes strewn, blocking sidewalks.
Heads Up in The Township of Washington
Township of Washington Police Chief John Calamari told Pascack Press that while his town hasn’t seen a recent surge in reckless bike riding, officers remain alert—especially near the Washington Town Center.
Calamari said officers responded to a few incidents of bike riders behaving badly last summer, and those interventions seemed to help.
Last September, we reported that a youth riding an e-scooter against traffic at Washington and Colonial was struck by a turning vehicle. We learned that she was not wearing a helmet and was injured.
— With John Snyder