St. Johns County commissioners direct staff to convert e-bike ordinance draft into resolution focusing on education and enforcement

St. Johns County commissioners on June 3 reviewed an initial draft ordinance to regulate e-bike use in unincorporated areas and gave consensus to convert the draft into a resolution that emphasizes education and alternative enforcement approaches. County Attorney Rich Komando presented the draft’s elements, including rider age limits, helmet requirements for minors and proposed speed restrictions.

Russ Martin of the Sheriff’s Office said enforcement posed challenges given limited patrol resources; Martin described ongoing education efforts directed at students and that the office responds to calls for service when resources allow. Commissioners discussed whether the county would duplicate state law or create local measures, and debated funding for education and enforcement. Chair Krista Joseph asked if the draft ordinance could be converted to a resolution; Komando confirmed it could. The transcript records that the Board gave consensus to adapt the presented information into a resolution.

Public comment included suggestions to bridge the regulatory gap between bicycles and motorized vehicles and expressions of thanks for addressing the issue. Chuck Labanowski suggested policy ideas to address the gap; Ed Slavin also thanked the Board for taking up the topic.

The Board did not vote on a final ordinance or resolution at the June 3 meeting; staff were directed to prepare a resolution-style approach that can focus on education, targeted enforcement resources and community outreach.