The bill passed without objection.
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As electric bicycles become more prevalent in Duval County, the Jacksonville City Council will regulate them and clamp down on reckless operation.
Ordinance 2026-570 is not as strong as it could have been, but consensus emerged behind it during the Committee process last week.
Riders have to keep speeds under 15 MPH on sidewalks. It is unclear how that provision will be enforced.
But the Sheriff’s Office can cite riders for unsafe operation, including on roadways where the speed limit for e-bikes is the same as for cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles.
No age limit is part of the bill.
Republican Will Lahnen questioned the speed limit postings, noting that the signs will be posted only on 26 roads to begin with.
Republican Ron Salem called the bill a “start” and said he could support it after being a no in Committee.
Republican Matt Carlucci, an insurance agent by trade, said: “This problem was begging for help.”
“Kids get killed on these things. And a life is a very valuable thing,” Carlucci said.
While sponsor Michael Boylan said this was “not a perfect bill,” Carlucci noted that it’s bad policy to “let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
Democrat Jimmy Peluso noted there are a “lot of concerned parents” in his District, and they were anxious for some guidance on this “emerging technology.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a statewide e-bike bill (SB 382) this Summer. He cited concerns that the 10 MPH speed limit would open the door to “police surveillance.”
Absent guidance from Tallahassee, cities like Jacksonville will chart their own course.
The post ‘Not a perfect bill’: E-Bike restrictions roll through Jacksonville City Council appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
