Atlantic Beach addresses E-bikes

The City of Atlantic Beach has published a multi-tiered strategy aimed at enhancing public safety and streamlining the regulation of electric bicycles (e-bikes).

This proactive framework, titled the Strategy Report: E-Bike Safety & Integrated Policy, prioritizes pedestrian protection, clear legislative boundaries and an extensive community education campaign.

As E-bike popularity continues to rise, Atlantic Beach is moving to align local ordinances with Florida Statute 316.003(23), which classifies E-bikes into three distinct tiers. The city’s new approach focuses on mitigating risks in high-traffic areas, particularly sidewalks and public parks.

“Our goal is to foster a culture of respect on our paths,” said Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp. “By combining clear rules with consistent enforcement and education, we ensure that Atlantic Beach remains a safe, walkable and bikeable community for everyone.”

Key Safety Mandates & Enforcement

Central to the new policy is the “10 mph mandate.” In accordance with 2026 state law, the city will strictly enforce a 10 mph speed limit for E-bikes whenever a rider is within 50 feet of a pedestrian on a sidewalk or shared path. Current regulations restrict all bikes and E-bikes to 10 mph when on sidewalks and shared paths within the City of Atlantic Beach.

To simplify enforcement and protect green spaces, the city is also evaluating an outright prohibition of E-bikes in public parks under City Code 21-107(b)(2). This change would allow officers to regulate park usage without the difficult task of determining if a bike is currently under motor or human power.

Proposed Local Legislation

Under “Home Rule” authority under Florida law, the City of Atlantic Beach is exploring several legislative enhancements to address developmental and safety concerns:

• Minimum Age Requirements: A potential 14- or 16-year-old age floor for operating Class 2 (throttle-assist) and Class 3 (high-speed) E-bikes.

• Identification Mandate: A requirement for all E-bike operators to carry a government-issued photo ID.

• “E-Moto” Impoundment: Strengthening local code to allow for the immediate impoundment of illegal electric motorcycles on public property.

• Requiring helmets for all E-bike operators.

The #BikeSmartAB Campaign

To bridge the gap between regulation and behavior, the city is enhancing its #BikeSmartAB campaign to include emphasis on the “Three Cs”:

• Class: Knowing your bike’s capabilities.

• Compliance: Adhering to the 10-mph sidewalk rule.

• Courtesy: Always yielding to pedestrians.

The initiative includes a specific “Not Your Average Bicycle” outreach program for parents. This program highlights that Class 2 and 3 E-bikes possess power profiles more similar to motor vehicles than traditional cycles, emphasizing parental liability and the “medical reality” of high-speed accidents involving minors.

Infrastructure and Visibility

Residents will soon see new physical infrastructure, including:

• Strategic Speed Limit Signage: New signs placed in high-conflict locations to provide a clear legal basis for citations.

• Integrated Park Signage: New “No Motorized Use” signs designed to be aesthetically compatible with the park environment while maintaining clear regulatory authority.

The E-Bike Safety & Integrated Policy strategy report is published at www.coab.us/news.