Council flags e‑bike and golf‑cart safety as rising concern; police education touted as first line of defense

Members of the Village of Tequesta Council said they want the village to keep e‑bike and golf‑cart safety high on its list of public safety priorities after describing multiple near‑misses and other risky behavior by riders.

Councilors and staff said local police regularly stop riders and provide education, but they also signaled interest in pursuing broader measures, including messaging campaigns and discussing the issue with the village’s legislative lobbyist. Staff noted that state law limits municipal authority over certain electric bicycles, which constrains outright local bans; the council asked staff to check state‑level options and report back.

Discussion highlights - Incidents and risk: Council members described near‑misses with cars and risky riding behavior (multiple riders on a single e‑bike, riders without helmets, and using sidewalks and streets unpredictably). Several speakers said they expect a serious injury or death will occur if nothing changes. - Enforcement and education: Tequesta police officers said they are educating riders and sometimes intervening; councilors commended local police for outreach and enforcement but noted enforcement alone is unlikely to eliminate risky behavior. - Policy limits: Staff reminded the council that state preemption limits municipal authority to ban or regulate e‑bikes in some contexts and advised the council to consult with the village’s lobbyist and neighboring municipalities about possible state legislative remedies.

Next steps Council asked staff to explore additional education and outreach tactics, coordinate with local police on enforcement and youth outreach, and consult the village lobbyist about state options. The village will continue public messaging and consider a public meeting to discuss the issue.