Revised Fernandina e-bike ordinance advances to third reading in July

By Mike Lednovich/Editor

FERNANDINA BEACH — The City Commission on Tuesday advanced a sweeping e-bike and personal mobility device ordinance after making several significant changes aimed at improving safety while encouraging riders to use designated paths rather than city streets.

The revised ordinance, which regulates e-bikes, motorized scooters, bicycles and other personal mobility devices, will require a third reading on July 7 because of amendments made during Tuesday's second reading.

City Attorney Teresa Prince said the ordinance was prompted in part by a dramatic increase in injuries involving e-bikes and scooters.

"Wilson's Children's Hospital Trauma Center reported a 3,700% rise in pediatric patients admitted not only for the e-bikes but the scooter injuries since 2022," Prince told commissioners. "So definitely, there is a need for this legislation."

The ordinance establishes operating rules for riders throughout the city, including speed limits, pedestrian right-of-way requirements and restrictions on where motorized devices may be used. Prince said all riders will be required to obey traffic laws, stop signs, signal lights and other traffic-control devices.

One of the most significant proposed changes would raise the roadway speed limit for bicycles, e-bikes and personal mobility devices from 20 mph to 25 mph, or the posted speed limit if lower. The ordinance would continue to limit speeds to 10 mph on trails, beaches and multi-use paths.

Prince said the recommendation came after feedback from local cyclists.

"We had someone get up and speak at the last meeting. If they can get to 25 miles per hour under their legs, they are allowed to do so or a posted speed limit, whichever is lower," she said.

Another key amendment would allow riders to use motorized assistance on the city's multi-use paths while maintaining the 10-mph speed limit. Earlier versions of the ordinance required riders to use human power only on those paths.

Prince said city officials concluded the restriction was counterproductive.

"It's been suggested that in discussions with the county and Deputy City Manager (Jeremiah) Glisson that we're trying to get people off of the road with these devices and onto that large multi-use path," she said. "So we're proposing that you allow them to be on there and use the motorized power."

The ordinance would still require human-powered operation on sidewalks and unpaved portions of public rights-of-way.

The proposal also expands the definition of recreational parks where e-bikes and other mobility devices are prohibited unless signage specifically allows them. The revised language explicitly includes the golf course.

Commissioner Genece Minshew supported that change, citing a recent incident near her home.

"There were two 10-year-old boys that were jumping the bunkers and tearing up the bunker sides and doing wheelies across the green, which we spend a lot of money to keep those things," Minshew said.

"There are a good amount of bicyclists on the golf course on a regular basis," she added. "So that is an enforcement issue that I think we're going to have to figure out."

Perhaps the most notable addition is an education-based enforcement program. Instead of immediately imposing fines, violators would be required to complete a city-approved safety course.

Prince said riders cited under the ordinance would be required to complete a course and submit proof of completion within 30 days. Those who fail to complete the course would then face a $50 fine.

Police Chief Jeff Tambasco explained the city's intended enforcement approach.

"The goal is going to be the first time would be a warning," Tambasco said. "The second time, we would give them the option of going to the class online. If they don't do that within 30 days, then they would get the subsequent infraction."

"Each infraction is going to be $50 after that," he added. "So, they'll get one chance to do the class to educate them."

Tambasco said the Police Department has already begun outreach efforts at Fernandina Beach Middle School and has prepared a pamphlet explaining the ordinance.

"We did draft a pamphlet that outlines the entire ordinance," Tambasco said. "And we're in stages now of once it's finalized, we'll get the pamphlet out. Of course, we'll do a huge educational push on this."