Newtown Bicycle Shop

E-Bike Enforcement and Education on the Delaware Canal Towpath

The Lower Makefield Township Police Department is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to educate riders and ensure the safe use of the Delaware Canal Towpath and other DCNR trails. Officers will be conducting enforcement efforts to help keep our shared trails safe for everyone.

Know the Rules Before You Ride

What qualifies as an e-bike?
Under Pennsylvania law, an e-bike must:
• Weigh 100 pounds or less
• Have a motor of 750 watts or less
• Have fully operable pedals (MOTORIZED SCOOTERS and E-DIRTBIKES ARE PROHIBITED)
• Be capable of no more than 20 mph using motor power alone

Where are e-bikes allowed?
• E-bikes are permitted on DCNR roads and trails where traditional bicycles are allowed, unless posted otherwise.
• E-bikes are not permitted on trails posted "No Biking," hiking trails marked with yellow or orange blazes, or in designated natural areas.

Pedaling is required on non-motorized trails.
On non-motorized trails, including the Delaware Canal Towpath, riders must pedal for the motor to provide assistance. Using the throttle alone without pedaling is not permitted.

Ride Safely and Respect Others
• Keep to the right and pass on the left.
• Yield to pedestrians and horses.
• Ride single file and avoid blocking the trail.
• Helmets are required for riders under 12 (E-Bike operators must be 16 years of age and older) and strongly recommended for everyone.
• Obey all posted signs and ride at a safe speed for trail conditions.

Trail regulations can vary by location, so always check posted signage before riding. Some DCNR trails may have additional restrictions or be closed to e-bikes.

Our goal is education, compliance, and ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy our beautiful canal path. Thank you for doing your part to keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all. However, we will take enforcement action, especially when they are operated in a reckless or careless manner.

Funding for 2027 is currently being considered to advance the Newtown Rail Trail into Newtown under Circuit Line Item (105291). More details can be found here: https://www.dvrpc.org/tip/draft/

Projects under consideration include:
1. Bucks County – Newtown Rail Trail Phase 3 (Churchville Nature Center to Village Shires), MPMS #82132
2. Bucks County – Newtown Rail Trail Phase 4 (Village Shires to Newtown Borough), MPMS #82134

Please consider supporting these important projects by submitting a positive comment by June 22, 2026. Comments may be emailed to “[email protected]”

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced that the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge’s 0.86-mile-long shared-use path will be closed Mondays to Fridays until further notice: https://www.drjtbc.org/2026/05/scudder-falls-toll-bridge-bike-ped-path-closures-expanding-to-monday-friday-schedule/Scudder

Look what came in today!

As the weather is getting warmer, we want to remind kids and parents of the Electric Bike Laws.

Public Safety Announcement:
Electric Bike Laws in Pennsylvania
As a resident/parent in Newtown Borough, it's essential to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding electric bikes in Pennsylvania. The Newtown Borough Police Department wants to ensure your safety and the safety of others on our roads. Last summer we saw an increase in complaints of juveniles on electric bikes operating in a careless manor. Our #1 goal is safety of everyone in Newtown Borough. Parents please read the attached PA Law for electric bikes. Before you purchase a electric bike please see the age in which a juvenile can legally ride the bike.

In Pennsylvania, electric bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to certain rules and regulations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric bicycle.

Helmets: Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders under 12 years old. However, we strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets to ensure their safety.

Speed Limit: Electric bicycles are limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph on roads and bike paths.

Roadway Use: Electric bicycles are permitted on roads and bike paths, but riders must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.

Licensing: You do not need a driver's license to operate an electric bicycle, but you must follow all traffic laws and regulations.
Remember, safety is our top priority. Always follow the rules of the road, be aware of your surroundings, and ride defensively. If you have any questions or concerns about electric bike laws in Pennsylvania, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Newtown Borough Police Department.

Newtown shamrock shuffle 2026
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🚧 The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced that the Scudder Falls (I-295) Toll Bridge Shared-Use Path will be closed four days a week for over two months starting around March 16.

🚗 The roadway will remain open to all vehicular traffic. This closure applies only to the Shared-Use Path for pedestrians and bicyclists.

🛠️ Why: Contractors will remove and replace the walkway’s uneven, puddle-prone polyester polymer surface to improve safety and durability. This high-density layer protects the bridge’s concrete from weather and erosion.

📅 Closure Schedule:
• Start: Early Monday mornings
• End: Friday mornings each week
• Goal: Complete resurfacing by Memorial Day weekend (weather permitting)

🚶‍♂️🚴 Plan Ahead:
• Closest pedestrian crossings:
o Calhoun Street Toll Bridge – 4.8 miles south
o Washington Crossing Toll Bridge – 2.5 miles north
• Walkways at these bridges are narrower, and bicyclists must dismount.
This work is part of a larger project that also includes sealing the bridge’s highway lanes and shoulders to protect against salt, moisture, and other elements.

Stay safe and plan your routes accordingly.