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Commissioners direct staff to advertise proposed e-bike and sidewalk rules after safety concerns
Summary
Following complaints about high-speed e-bikes operating on sidewalks, Collier County commissioners voted unanimously to advertise an ordinance that would establish rules for bicycle and e-bike operation on sidewalks, crosswalks and intersections in unincorporated county areas and to solicit public input.
Collier County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to advertise a proposed ordinance that would create new rules for the operation of bicycles and electrically assisted bicycles on sidewalks, crosswalks and in intersections in unincorporated parts of the county.
The item, introduced by Commissioner Kevin Cowell as a response to growing use of high-speed e-bikes, would direct staff to advertise an ordinance that clarifies where e-bikes may operate, whether they must use designated bike lanes when present and how younger riders should be treated in the county right-of-way.
"We never expected to have an electric bicycle that can achieve speeds of 35 miles per hour," Cowell said, telling commissioners he had worked with the county attorney, the metropolitan planning organization's bicycle/pedestrian chair and the sheriff's traffic unit to draft language for public advertisement. He said the goal is to improve safety on sidewalks and shared paths used by pedestrians, children and bicyclists.
The proposed approach would generally encourage use of roadway-designated bicycle lanes when they exist for riders 16 and older but leave sidewalk operation where no safe, designated bicycle lane is present. Commissioners said the initial phase of implementation will focus on education and outreach before any enforcement changes take effect.
One speaker participating on Zoom, an older resident who uses an e-bike for local transportation, urged caution and said drivers' behavior is often a safety factor. County staff agreed to compile more detail and bring a full ordinance back for public hearings.
Why it matters: E-bikes have become more common and can reach speeds comparable to small motor vehicles; commissioners said the measure is intended to reduce collisions and clarify rider responsibilities while preserving safe options for older residents and people using bicycles for basic transportation.
Next steps: Staff will advertise the draft ordinance, bring public comments forward, and return with a finalized ordinance for hearing and possible adoption after additional public outreach and stakeholder input.
