Jacksonville City Council unanimously approves new e-bike ordinance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council voted unanimously to pass a new e-bike ordinance that aims to improve safety on city sidewalks.

The vote was 19-0 in favor of the ordinance after months of revision. The ordinance was introduced to the City Council by Council Member Michael Boylan and co-sponsored by Ju’Coby Pittman, Raul Arias, Reggie Gaffney, Jr., and Mone’ Holder in July of this year.

This ordinance will result in updated city code sections that define e-bikes and specify how they may be operated and enforced in the city.

According to the bill summary, the ordinance comes amid an increase in e-bike use on Jacksonville sidewalks and roadways. City officials said the increased use creates more opportunities for crashes and injuries involving motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The ordinance is intended to reduce the risk of serious injuries and deaths resulting from conflicts among vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians on city sidewalks and roadways.