WHEREAS, St. Johns County is committed to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and operators of electronic bicycles (“e-bikes”), e-scooters, and other electric motorized devices; and

WHEREAS, according to recent statistics, more than 142 million tourists came to visit the State of Florida in the year 2024; and

WHEREAS, the number of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric motorized devices and their use in St. Johns County continues to rise; and

WHEREAS, there were 79 bicycle crashes involved in reported traffic accidents in the State of Florida in 2024, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics Report; and

WHEREAS, the use of e-bikes, electric scooters, and other electric motorized devices has significantly increased across St. Johns County, contributing to greater transportation access, reduced emissions, and recreational enjoyment; and

WHEREAS, e-bikes, e-scooters, other electric motorized devices and similar devices offer efficient and affordable transportation alternatives, but also present emerging safety challenges due to increased traffic interactions, varied rider experience levels, and the mixed-use nature of sidewalks and roadways; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature recognizes e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric motorized devices under Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and regulates their operation for the safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners seeks to proactively support public education and enforcement policies that improve rider behavior, reduce collisions, and protect vulnerable road users.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT:

SECTION 1. RECITALS. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners hereby adopts the above recitals and incorporates them herein as a part of this resolution.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this resolution is to promote the safe use of electric bicycles, scooters, and other electric motorized devices throughout St. Johns County.

SECTION 3. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. The Board supports and encourages partnering with local schools, law enforcement, community organizations, and device retailers to educate riders on traffic laws, safety equipment (such as helmets and lights), and courteous riding behavior.

Launching awareness campaigns targeting both riders and drivers regarding shared responsibilities and safe road-sharing practices.

SECTION 4. ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATION. The Board further supports and encourages law enforcement to enforce existing traffic laws applicable to e-bike, scooter operators and other electric motorized devices, including speed, age, and helmet requirements as mandated by Florida law.

SECTION 5. ENCOURAGE SAFE OPERATION. The Board hereby supports, encourages, and promotes the following S.A.F.E.T.Y. practices:

Stay visible: If operating on any public roadway, an electric bicycle, electric motorcycle or other electric motorized devices should have a front white light, a rear red light, turn signals and an audible horn capable of being heard within twenty feet of a vehicle under normal operating conditions.

Avoid accidents: Operators should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid accidents or collision causing injury to any person or property.

Far-right: If a bicycle lane is not available, operators should ride on the far-right side of the travel lane.

Exercise due care: Operators should use due care while operating on sidewalks and verbally announce they are approaching pedestrians as required by Florida law.

Ten miles or less: If operating on a pedestrian path, operators should limit their speed to 10 miles per hour or less.

Your helmet: Operators of e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric motorized devices should wear a helmet.

SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY. If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this resolution is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.