E-bike riders in Fernandina Beach: Slow down or get fined. That\u2019s the word from city leaders who unanimously decided to lower the speed limit.<\/p>\n
The ordinance passed Tuesday night places Fernandina Beach e-bikes and other personal mobility devices under different rules and regulations.<\/p>\n
City leaders say the ordinance was a response to mounting complaints about unsafe e-bike riding<\/a>, particularly involving juveniles throughout the island and downtown area.<\/p>\n Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jeff Tambasco said the city used definitions for electric bicycles directly from Florida state statutes and tried to mirror state law as closely as possible.<\/p>\n Tambasco said the goal is not to immediately punish riders, but to change behavior.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking for corrective action,\u201d he told News4Jax back in June, adding the rules are intended to improve safety \u201cto help ensure the safety of our e-bike riders, our walkers, and our overall community that\u2019s enjoying our beautiful city.\u201d<\/p>\n The ordinance sets speed limits of 10 mph for bicycles and electric bicycles on sidewalks, trails and paths, and 20 mph on roadways.<\/p>\n Tambasco said the ordinance adds additional guidelines for where electric assist can be used:<\/p>\n Sidewalks: 10 mph, human-power only (no throttle or electric assist)<\/p>\n Beaches: 10 mph, pedal assist allowed<\/p>\n Multi-use pathways and trails: 10 mph, pedal assist allowed<\/p>\n The devices are prohibited in city parks and golf courses.<\/p>\n The ordinance was proposed in May after officials said they were receiving increased complaints about unsafe riding, particularly involving juveniles and young adults.<\/p>\n Residents have reported riders speeding on sidewalks, doing wheelies and rolling through stop signs.<\/p>\n Police also outlined a revised\u00a0four-step enforcement plan<\/a>\u00a0starting with education\u2014warning and documentation, parent contact for juveniles, a citation that can be waived with a safety course within 30 days, and then $50 fines for repeat violations.<\/p>\n Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a statewide e-bike bill<\/a>, saying its speed restriction would be difficult to enforce and could lead to increased government surveillance.<\/p>\n