ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Atlantic Beach City Commission approved on Monday an ordinance aimed at regulating bikes, e-bikes and personal mobility devices.
The city commission introduced the legislation in February after Chief of Police Victor Gualillo submitted a report stating in part that cities throughout Northeast Florida were seeing “repeated instances where the unregulated operation of these motorized devices” were creating a hazard to public safety.
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These are the key new rules and provisions approved by the city commission, according to the Atlantic Beach Police Department:
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs are restricted to 10mph on sidewalks and multi-use paths
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs can be used under human power only (no motor or powered assistance) within any city park, city trail, or unpaved portion of a public right of way
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs must abide by all state statutes and regulations (i.e. traffic control devices, stop signs/signals, bike laws, etc.)
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks and give an audible signal before overtaking/passing
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs must operate with due care in a careful/prudent manner at all times (think of this as a careless driving law for these devices)
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs must obey posted speed limits when operating on a roadway
- Bikes, e-bikes, and PMDs cannot carry any package or article, which makes them unstable or dangerous to operate
- Low-speed vehicles (i.e., golf carts) must be properly registered and can only operate on roadways in the city
“It’s just kind of concerning seeing them fly down the sidewalk. Kids I know that live on my street just riding their normal bikes, if they’re going fast they’re going to hot and hurt them,” Addie Brumm, Atlantic Beach resident, said.
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Gualillo said the main goal is to improve safety, as he’s seen an increase in complaints regarding e-bikes.
He said that last year, his officers stopped around 130 bicycle and e-bike riders, which resulted in roughly 25 warnings and tickets being given.
“We’re, of course, increasing enforcement efforts and education efforts with officers on the street to let folks know that bicycle riders and e-bike riders do have to abide by all the same regulations as cars do,” Gualillo said.
Gualillo said that in the coming months, residents should expect to see speed limit signs posted in certain parks as well as highly traveled sidewalks. He also said he’s hopeful these new rules will help people become more respectful to one another and make them realize everyone has to share the road peacefully.
Tickets are up to the discretion of the officers, and they could vary depending on the offense, according to Gualillo.
