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 July 21st, according to Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jeff Tambasco.
City leaders say the ordinance is a response to mounting complaints about unsafe e-bike riding, particularly involving juveniles throughout the island and downtown area.
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. “We wanted to try and mirror state statute as much as possible,” Tambasco said.
Tambasco said the goal is not to immediately punish riders, but to change behavior. “We’re looking for corrective action,” he told News4JAX, adding the rules are intended to improve safety “to help ensure the safety of our e-bike riders, our walkers, and our overall community that’s enjoying our beautiful city.”
The ordinance would set speed limits of 10 miles per hour for bicycles and electric bicycles on sidewalks, trails and paths, and 20 miles per hour 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
The ordinance was proposed in May after officials said they were receiving increased complaints about unsafe riding, particularly involving juveniles and young adults. Residents have reported riders speeding on sidewalks, doing wheelies and rolling through stop signs.
Camden Smith, a Fernandina Beach resident, said he sees children riding aggressively across the island and worries about injuries. “No matter where I go on this island, I see little kids everywhere, just popping their bikes up on one wheel, hauling behind down the road,” Smith said. “I’m really worried for them.”
Police have also updated how they plan to enforce the rules if the ordinance becomes law, moving from a three-step approach to a four-step process that begins with education.
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.