Police say the teenager collided with a minivan near Walmart Drive in Hamilton Township.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 14-year-old Mays Landing girl was seriously injured Friday evening after her electric bicycle collided with a minivan on the Black Horse Pike.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. October 16 along eastbound U.S. Route 40 near Walmart Drive, according to Hamilton Township police.
Investigators said the teenager was riding her e-bike eastbound along the shoulder of the roadway when she entered the travel lane and collided with a minivan traveling in the same direction.
The vehicle was a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Brian Portnoy, 65, of Egg Harbor Township, police said.
The teenager's identity has not been released.
Teenager Transported by Medical Helicopter
Emergency responders from the Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad treated the girl and transported her to the nearby Hamilton Mall parking lot.
A New Jersey State Police medical helicopter then airlifted her to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Atlantic City campus for treatment of serious injuries.
Authorities have not released further information about the nature of her injuries or her current condition.
Firefighters from the Cologne, Laureldale and Mays Landing volunteer fire departments assisted at the scene.
No Traffic Summonses Issued
Hamilton Township police said no traffic summonses had been issued in connection with the collision as of their initial report.
The investigation remains active.
The police account describes the movements of the bicycle and minivan immediately before the collision, but authorities have not announced a final determination of responsibility.
Crash Raises Questions About E-Bike Safety
The incident comes as electric bicycles become increasingly common on South Jersey roads.
E-bikes can travel at substantially different speeds depending on their classification and design, and New Jersey has specific rules governing their operation.
The circumstances of Friday's collision underscore the potential danger when bicycles and motor vehicles share heavily traveled roads such as Route 40.
However, police have not publicly identified the particular type of e-bike involved or determined whether any equipment or regulatory issue contributed to the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information should contact the Hamilton Township Police Department.
South Jersey NewsBeat will provide updates as authorities release additional details about the teenager's condition or the investigation.
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Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
