A surge of motorized vehicles has led to increased concerns in Lehighton.

Borough council on Monday held discussion on bicycle and e-bike ordinances.

Earlier in the meeting, resident Darren Frehulfer told council there’s been an influx of motorized vehicles “in a very dangerous way,” including many without licenses.

“They are going through people’s property,” said Frehulfer, who noted that recently his young daughter was almost struck by one.

Frehulfer said his purpose for bringing the matter to council’s attention was to protect children playing in parks, and added that he is concerned about his daughter’s safety.

Councilman Steve Hawk assured Frehulfer he isn’t alone.

“You’re not the only person that sees it as a concern,” Hawk said.

Councilwoman Jordyn Miller said the borough does have ordinances, but that they are archaic.

“We’ll get things moving,” Miller said.

Mayor Ryan Saunders said they’ll put together a proposal for borough council with all the variables.

Saunders noted there is a sign in the Grove that states no bicycles, skateboards, or scooters.

“It’s a good time to go back to the drawing board,” Saunders said.

Saunders added that with the weather change, there’s been an uptick in adolescents’ violent behavior.

He said he saw a family following two of the motorized bicyclists. A woman got out of her car and tried to chase them down.

After the meeting, Saunders noted that the borough has limited bicycle ordinances.

“This is becoming a very serious problem; we’ve noted it on multiple occasions,” he said. “We need to get a handle on this; we’ve got to come up with a way to mitigate this.”

Saunders added that he plans to meet with police Chief Troy Abelovsky, along with the police, fire, and safety committee.

The goal is to “come up with a comprehensive plan for drafting a new ordinance, or updating our current bicycle ordinances so that we can get this under control.”

He said parents have to take some responsibility.

“We have to start making parents accountable. There will be accountability aspects in this ordinance for the parents; those are the things that I’m going to be pushing for very heavily,” Saunders said.

“Parents need to take some ownership and responsibility with raising them with better manners and respecting public property better, and respecting others.”