Although bicycles have always been a popular form of transportation in Florida, the newest kind, known as electronic bicycles or e-bikes, are becoming more and more common on the state’s beaches, dining areas, and tourist attractions.
Following two alarming incidents involving e-bikes this year, St. Johns County, which is home to popular tourist destinations like St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, is now taking steps to raise awareness of e-bike safety.
Electric bikes with pedals that can aid in charging the battery are known as e-bikes. However, depending on the type and battery size, a button push or throttle turn can propel e-bikes to speeds of roughly 20 to 30 mph.
This month, the St. Johns County Commission passed a resolution committing to work with the St. Johns County School District and the Sheriff’s Office to increase awareness and safety for e-bike, e-scooter, and other electronic powered device owners.
The action was taken after two 15-year-old boys were seriously hurt in separate e-bike crashes in St. Johns County. E-bikes are frequently rented by visitors to a town like St. Augustine, and they are rarely restricted to the streets of historic neighborhoods. They are becoming more common on beaches, and visitors use them to go over miles of shoreline.
The county resolution took a direct approach to the problem.
According to the county resolution, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics Report indicates that 79 bicycle crashes were part of the state of Florida’s reported traffic incidents in 2024. In order to improve rider behavior, lower collision rates, and safeguard vulnerable road users, the Board of County Commissioners actively supports enforcement and public education initiatives.
Public awareness campaigns will be launched by all three county government agencies to alert pedestrians, drivers, and e-bike riders to the possible risks associated with e-bikes. The county recognized that they are reasonably priced forms of transportation and works to improve safety rather than deter them.
“I was honored to have the support of my fellow County Commissioners in forming a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and School District, and I am thrilled about this partnership to improve safety in our community on this issue,” stated District 3 Commissioner Clay Murphy.
E-bikes are a public safety concern that we will jointly address with children in the classroom, with parents in the neighborhood, and with our community on the streets. This resolution marks the beginning of a campaign to proactively educate e-bike riders and, if needed, enforce the law.
The timing of the resolution is appropriate, according to St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick.
To encourage safety in our communities, enforcement and education are essential. This resolution serves as a reminder of our shared commitment to putting our citizens’ safety first, as we have seen far too many tragedies involving e-bikes and youth, Hardwick stated.
Drew Dixon, Politics in Florida
