Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parkland adopts first reading of ordinance restricting e-bikes and scooters in city parks
Summary
On first reading the City Commission voted unanimously to ban electric bicycles, motorized mobility devices and motorized scooters from park grounds except on park roads and for parking; the ordinance sets a 10 mph speed limit on park roads and a $200 penalty per violation.
The City Commission on March 12 approved on first reading an ordinance that would prohibit electric bicycles, motorized mobility devices and motorized scooters in City of Parkland parks except on park roads and in designated parking areas for parking only.
A staff presenter (recorded as a city staff member) said the ordinance adds three definitions—an electric bicycle and motorized scooter wording consistent with state statutes, and a new definition for "motorized mobility device" to capture devices such as hoverboards and some electric skateboards—and prohibits their use in parks outside of park roadways. The proposed ordinance also sets a 10 mph speed limit for such devices when operating on park roads and establishes a $200 civil penalty per violation.
Commissioners and Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) representatives framed the ordinance as one of several steps needed to curb dangerous riding behavior at parks. Vice Mayor Israel and other commissioners said officers and park rangers should prioritize enforcement on busy nights; Captain McCardell of BSO told the commission his office runs education and enforcement programs, including school-based safety training, and urged continued parental involvement.
Several commissioners urged that the ordinance be paired with outreach, signage and targeted enforcement rather than applied as a blanket penalty for all e-bike users. Commissioner Breyer said she would not want law-abiding e-bike riders who use roadways responsibly to be the focus of enforcement. Kent Cutler (identified in the transcript as "Parkland Commissioner X" during public comment) suggested a voluntary registration system to help identify devices and owners when violations occur.
The commission voted unanimously on first reading after a motion by Vice Mayor Israel and a second by Commissioner Cannerman; the roll call vote recorded Commissioners Murphy Soleimone, Breyer, Kanterman, Vice Mayor Israel and Mayor Walker as voting yes. Staff said enforcement would include citation authority already available to deputies and rangers; commissioners asked staff to add signage and to work with HOAs and schools on education.
Why it matters: The measure seeks to reduce collisions and dangerous behavior after residents and staff reported conflicts between pedestrians and motorized personal-transportation devices in city parks. It is a first-reading ordinance; if adopted on second reading it would become local law with penalties for violations.
