Extend ‘Walk Biking Hours? Not ‘Til 2020

WILDWOOD ─ “No one gets up at 6 a.m. on vacation anymore,” Frank Clunn said at the Aug. 28 Wildwood City Commissioners’ meeting.
Clunn, a third-generation bicycle shop owner, urged Wildwood to extend the riding time for bicycles on the Boardwalk from noon to 1 p.m. Current hours are between 5 a.m. and noon from June 14 through Sept. 15.
According to Clunn, a group of bicycle shop owners approached Mayor Ernie Troiano and requested the time change.
“We have an hour and a half to make our money,” Clunn said. The days of vacationers lining up at 6 or 7 a.m. to rent bicycles are over, he continued.
“We aren’t busy until 10 or 10:30 a.m.,” he added.
If the city decides to extend the time, bicycle shop owners such as Clunn would have a wider window of opportunity.
Clunn said the time change would boost business and increase opportunities for visitors to enjoy riding bicycles on the Boardwalk.
Troiano said he took the request seriously, and asked for input from commissioners.
“I’m kind of mixed,” Commissioner Anthony Leonetti said. Leonetti agreed with the change’s premise, but wished to consult Police Chief Robert Regalbuto. According to Leonetti, police officers are busy writing summons for those who break existing policy.
Commissioner Peter Bryon said, “It’s the difference of one hour.” In a phone interview Aug. 29, Byron said he is not against “tweaking” the time until 2 or 3 p.m.
However, he does not want to see conflict between cyclists, pedestrians, and the tramcars. Public safety is paramount, he said.
The mayor echoed Clunn. He said the days of greeting the day while riding a bike are “over.”
Troiano said he spoke with North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello. According to Troiano, Rosenello was in favor of the change.
Any time change, if approved, would have to undergo an ordinance amendment and, according to Troiano, would have to wait until 2020.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.