FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Fernandina Beach is one step closer to new rules for e-bikes and other personal mobility devices after city commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.
The measure is expected to go before the City Commission for a third and final reading on the third Tuesday of July, according to Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jeff Tambasco.
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City leaders say the ordinance is a response to mounting complaints about unsafe e-bike riding, particularly involving juveniles riding at high speeds on sidewalks, performing wheelies and blowing through stop signs in the downtown area.
What the ordinance would do
Tambasco said the city will use definitions for electric bicycles straight from Florida state statutes and that leaders designed the ordinance to mirror state law as closely as possible. He said all three classes of electric bicycles are covered.
The ordinance would set speed limits of 10 mph for bicycles and electric bicycles on sidewalks, trails and paths, and 20 mph on roadways.
Tambasco said the ordinance adds additional guidelines for where electric assist can be used:
- Sidewalks: 10 mph, human-power only (no throttle or electric assist)
- Beaches: 10 mph, pedal assist allowed
- Multi-use pathways and trails: 10 mph, pedal assist allowed
How police say enforcement would work
Tambasco told News4JAX that police have updated their plan from a three-step process to a four-step enforcement approach, starting with education and warnings.
The four steps include:
- Warning: Officers warn riders and document the encounter as an education tool.
- Parent contact: For juvenile riders, police contact parents and explain the violation.
- Citation with course option: Police issue a citation, but the violator can attend a safety course and provide proof within 30 days to have it waived.
- Fine: Riders who continue to violate the rules could face a $50 citation, with each additional citation carrying a $50 fine.
Educational outreach underway
Tambasco said the police department is also drafting a tri-fold educational pamphlet that will be distributed to schools, bike shops and hotels to help both residents and visitors understand the city’s rules.
If the ordinance is approved on its third reading in July, it would become law and police would begin implementing the education-first rollout described by Tambasco.