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Council adopts first-reading ordinance to ban motorized bicycles and similar devices on Beach Walk; 4–1 vote
Summary
On first reading, the council amended the Clearwater Code to prohibit motorized bicycles, hoverboards, scooters and similar devices on Beach Walk; the measure passed 4–1 with Councilmember Ryan Cotton dissenting amid enforcement and resident-use concerns.
The Clearwater City Council passed on first reading an ordinance to add section 22.61 to the Clearwater Code of Ordinances to prohibit motorized bicycles, electric scooters, hoverboards, unicycles and similar devices on Beach Walk. The ordinance passed with four votes in favor and one opposed (Councilmember Ryan Cotton).
Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader presented the item and said Beach Walk is "part of the ambiance" that draws visitors and that safety is the rationale for the proposed restriction. Kader told the council the amendment is aimed at improving safety on the pedestrian-heavy boardwalk.
Councilmember McCadden said he had received calls from residents, particularly those living on the beach, who use electric bikes or scooters to travel from their homes to restaurants and nearby businesses. McCadden warned that a broad ban would "penalize the people that utilize it in the right way" and expressed concern the ordinance could disproportionately affect residents and industrial workers who rely on these vehicles for transportation. He said enforcement could lead to citations for residents who currently use the devices responsibly.
Councilmember Tekshadeh and others supported limiting the restriction to Beach Walk and allowing devices on streets, where they are permitted. Councilmember Menino supported Beach Walk-only restrictions because of heavy pedestrian congestion and said sidewalks on both sides of the road are very crowded with visitors.
Council discussion noted enforcement challenges. One council member referenced the police chief saying enforcement "is gonna be a hard thing to enforce," and council members acknowledged education and signage would be needed alongside enforcement, with warnings likely used initially.
A motion to approve agenda item 7.2 carried on a 4–1 vote; the council recorded no mover/second in the meeting transcript for the motion. The ordinance was read into the record as "an ordinance of the city of Clearwater, Florida making amendments to the code of ordinances by amending chapter 22, article 2, by adding section 22.61 to address the use of motorized bicycles, hoverboards, unicycles, scooters, and similar devices, providing for severability and providing an effective date." The council did not specify enforcement details or a timeline for education and signage during the meeting.
