Incident Report – Reckless Bicycle Behavior and Public Safety Concern

Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Location: Pitney Road between Jimmie Leeds Road and Crestview Avenue, Galloway Township, NJ

On the above date and time, I was traveling southbound on Pitney Road when I witnessed two teenagers, later identified as Kevin (name withheld) and Jay (name withheld) ,riding bicycles on the left side of the road, directly into oncoming traffic.

Kevin was observed performing a wheelie in the middle of the northbound lane, directly in front of an oncoming truck (not an SUV). He appeared to be intentionally playing "chicken" with the vehicle, coming within approximately 10 feet of it. Neither of the teens was wearing helmets or any visible safety gear.

As I approached my vehicle from the opposite direction, I was forced to swerve to the right shoulder to avoid a potential collision, which resulted in pain to my shoulder. Both myself and the truck driver repeatedly honked and shouted to warn the teens. The boys responded by laughing and continuing on their way.

Out of concern for public safety and in hopes of alerting their parents to correct this dangerous behavior, I turned around, took a photo of the teens, and posted it on Galloway Township Happenings on Facebook.

In response, both boys commented on the post, denying any wrongdoing and, in fact laughing.

I advised him that the issue at hand was his child’s reckless and dangerous behavior, which endangered not only the children but also innocent drivers, including myself. My intent in sharing this incident publicly was solely to prevent future harm and to encourage accountability—not to malign or defame.

According to NJ DOT Bicycle Regulations. Both Kevin and Jay violated the following Regulations under Title 39 of the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulation laws:

 39:4-11 Audible Signal. A bicycle must be equipped with a bell or other audible device that can be heard at least 100 feet away, but not a siren or whistle. 

39:4-12 Feet and Hands on Pedals and Handlebars; Carrying Another Person. Bicyclists should not drive the bicycle with feet removed from the pedals, or with both hands removed from the handlebars, nor practice any trick or fancy driving in a street. Limit passengers to only the number the bicycle is designed and equipped to carry (the number of seats it has).

39:4-14.1 Rights and Duties of Persons on Bicycles. Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.

39:4-14.2, 39:4-10.11 Operating Regulations. 

Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right roadside as practicable exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. A bicyclist may move left under any of the following conditions: 1) To make a left turn from a left turn lane or pocket; 2) To avoid debris, drains, or other hazardous conditions on the right; 3) To pass a slower moving vehicle; 4) To occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic; 6) To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file. Every person riding a bicycle shall ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic. In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws. A parent may be held responsible for the child’s violation of any traffic law.

Title 39:4-10.1 In New Jersey, anyone under 17 years of age that rides a bicycle or is a passenger on a bicycle, or is towed as a passenger by a bicycle must wear a safety helmet….Initial violators of the helmet law will receive warnings. For minors, the parent or legal guardian may be fined a maximum of $26 for the 1 st offense and a maximum of $100 for subsequent offense(s), if lack of parental supervision contributed to the offense.

I stand by the fact that this reckless behavior poses a serious threat to public safety. These boys are not only putting their own lives at risk but are endangering drivers and pedestrians alike. Their actions could easily result in severe injury, loss of life, or significant property damage.

In addition to the incident I personally witnessed, Kevin has publicly posted numerous videos and Reels on his personal Facebook page, clearly displaying repeated and dangerous violations of traffic and bicycle safety laws. In these videos, he can be seen riding directly into oncoming traffic, causing vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting him, riding without wearing a helmet or any proper safety gear, and frequently removing his hands and/or feet from the pedals and handlebars while in motion. These videos show a pattern of reckless behavior, not a one-time mistake. This conduct not only endangers Kevin himself, but also poses a serious and ongoing threat to drivers, pedestrians, and other road users throughout Galloway Township.

This is not an isolated incident, and many other residents of Galloway have reported similar encounters with teens on bicycles behaving dangerously in traffic.

I urge the Township to take action against these reckless teens and/or their parents, who appear to be condoning or ignoring this hazardous conduct. It is imperative that the Township address this escalating issue through enforcement, education, and/or penalties. Without intervention, it is only a matter of time before a tragic accident occurs.

I respectfully request that this statement be reviewed and that the appropriate authorities consider issuing warnings, citations, or taking other measures necessary to ensure public safety on our roads.

Sincerely,

Community Statement: Call for Action on Reckless Bicycle Behavior by Local Teens

We, the concerned residents of Galloway Township, are deeply troubled by the ongoing and increasingly dangerous behavior of Kevin DeSilva and Jay Horton, who continue to ride their bicycles recklessly through our streets, blatantly violating traffic laws and putting others at serious risk.

As outlined in the detailed statement above these individuals have been witnessed riding into oncoming traffic, causing drivers to swerve, performing dangerous stunts, and riding without helmets or proper safety gear. Videos and Reels posted by Kevin DeSilva on his public Facebook page further document repeated and intentional violations, demonstrating a clear disregard for public safety, traffic laws, and community well-being.

What is especially concerning is the complete lack of accountability from both the teens and their parents. Despite public outcry and direct communication, there has been no indication that the behavior will stop or that the parents are taking the matter seriously.

We respectfully urge Galloway Township to take immediate and appropriate action against Kevin, Jay, and their parents—whether through fines, citations, mandatory safety training, or other enforcement measures. Continued inaction sends the message that such reckless behavior is acceptable, when in fact, it is only a matter of time before it leads to a serious injury or fatal accident.

As residents who care about the safety of our community, our roads, and our children, we ask the Township to fulfill its duty to protect all citizens by addressing this matter with urgency and seriousness.

This is a formal notice and warning. Reckless bicyclists continue to endanger public safety with blatant disregard for traffic laws. If immediate action is not taken to hold these individuals accountable, it is only a matter of time before a fatality occurs.

Should that happen, both the Township and Atlantic County will be held responsible for failing to act despite clear warnings and ongoing reports from concerned residents.

We urge you to take appropriate enforcement measures before tragedy strikes.

Sincerely,

 The Concerned Residents of Galloway Township