St. Johns County adopts e-bike safety resolution, plans outreach to middle-school students

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 5 adopted a resolution promoting safety for electric bicycles, scooters and similar devices and directed staff to expand education and enforcement partnerships. The measure, approved unanimously as Resolution No. 2025-277, tasks the Sheriff’s Office and School District with increasing outreach and training and directs exploration of a web-based curriculum and potential funding sources. Sheriff’s Office Director Russell Martin told the board the county had seen a significant uptick in service calls related to e-bikes this summer and described current education efforts and partnerships with schools and community groups. County Vice Chair Commissioner Clay Murphy said his task from the board was to develop a program focused on both education and enforcement and noted a planned curriculum aimed at 6th, 7th and 8th graders to be delivered before Christmas. Paul Abbatinozzi, chief of staff for the St. Johns County School District, said the district updated school websites over the summer and is collaborating with the Sheriff’s Office on class development. The board also discussed expanding student outreach and staff training. Public commenters largely supported education over new regulation. A resident asked how many citations had been issued, and another suggested parents who buy e-bikes attend a class. County Attorney Rich Komando and Sheriff partners described education efforts as a potential model for other counties. Motion by Commissioner Ann Taylor, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, carried 5–0 to adopt Resolution No. 2025-277 and promote safe use of electric bicycles, scooters and other electric motorized devices through education and outreach campaigns. The action does not create new criminal statutes; it directs county agencies and partners to coordinate education and enforcement activities. The board also asked staff to pursue grant or other funding options to support the expanded curriculum and web-based content and to return with cost and timing details for future consideration.