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Resident warns of dangerous e-bike riding; police pledge enforcement and education
Summary
A Lighthouse Point resident told commissioners he nearly collided with a youth doing wheelies on Lighthouse Drive. Police chief said state law treats many e-bikes as bicycles, described stepped-up contacts and safety outreach, and urged parental responsibility.
A Lighthouse Point resident urged the City Commission on Tuesday to act after twice nearly colliding with children riding e-bikes and scooters in the roadway.
"A kid couldn't have been more than 12 or 13 years old riding a wheelie right here on White House Drive at 39th, deliberately swerved in front of me, and then back out and laughed," resident Scott Woodry told commissioners during public comment. Woodry asked what legal options the city and police have before someone is seriously hurt.
Police Chief Vaccaro said state statute treats many e-bikes the same as bicycles and that the department has tracked contacts and enforcement actions. "Last year, I believe we had 32 stops," he said, noting officers have increased weekend patrols and will expand e-bike safety education and summer classes. He added some behavior could constitute a separate criminal offense if an officer determines someone is intentionally putting motorists in danger.
Chief Vaccaro encouraged residents to call the nonemergency line when they observe dangerous riding so officers can respond: "Call our 942-8080," he said. Commissioners expressed concern about parental accountability and consistent enforcement and asked staff to continue outreach and training for children and parents.
