Dr. Laura Bishop
The regulation of e-bikes and motorized scooters in Key Biscayne, Florida has hit a roadblock, with a potential timeline indicating that it could be September before a binding agreement is reached. Last week, the Florida Senate remained non-committal on House Bill 7049, which sought to allow municipalities like Key Biscayne to regulate these micro-mobility devices. As a result, a 60-day ban in the Village is likely to be extended while other options are explored.
One possible avenue is an ordinance presented by County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. The first reading of this ordinance, allowing Key Biscayne to regulate micro-mobility devices on County-owned Crandon Boulevard, is set to take place on March 19. If it is favorably voted on by the Board of County Commissioners in May, an inter-local agreement would then need to be made, followed by the Village setting its permanent ordinance in July.
However, the process of changing laws is known to be slow, especially when the involvement of the County and State Department of Transportation is required. While some residents have appreciated the current ban for promoting safety, others have voiced concerns about the impact on law-abiding adults who use these devices for work purposes.
Key Biscayne’s Village Attorney, Chad Friedman, acknowledged that the existing law pertaining to micro-mobility devices is not well-written and requires amendments. He highlighted the authority of the Village to prohibit traffic movement and parking, as well as to implement longer bans if necessary. Education and enforcement would be crucial components accompanying any new regulations.
As the discussions continue, Council members have expressed different views on specific aspects of micro-mobility regulation. Some advocate for a ban on higher-speed bicycles, while others emphasize the need for clear distinctions between different types of bikes to aid enforcement efforts.
In the meantime, the Village will persist with the current ban unless significant developments occur. While the process may be frustratingly slow, the aim is to reach a consensus that ensures public safety and addresses the concerns of various stakeholders.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the current status of the regulation of e-bikes and motorized scooters in Key Biscayne, Florida?
Currently, the regulation of e-bikes and motorized scooters in Key Biscayne, Florida is facing a roadblock, and a binding agreement is expected to be reached in September.
2. Why is there a potential delay in reaching a binding agreement?
The Florida Senate has remained non-committal on House Bill 7049, which aimed to allow municipalities like Key Biscayne to regulate these micro-mobility devices. Due to this, further options are being explored, and a 60-day ban in the Village might be extended.
3. What is one possible avenue being considered to regulate micro-mobility devices in Key Biscayne?
One possible avenue being considered is an ordinance presented by County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. The first reading of this ordinance, which will allow Key Biscayne to regulate micro-mobility devices on County-owned Crandon Boulevard, is scheduled for March 19.
4. What is the timeline for implementing the ordinance if it is favorably voted on by the Board of County Commissioners?
If the ordinance is favorably voted on by the Board of County Commissioners in May, an inter-local agreement would need to be made, followed by Key Biscayne setting its permanent ordinance in July.
5. Why is the process of changing laws known to be slow in this situation?
The involvement of the County and State Department of Transportation is required to change laws, which makes the process slow.
6. What are some concerns raised by residents regarding the current ban on micro-mobility devices?
Some residents have voiced concerns about the impact on law-abiding adults who use these devices for work purposes.
7. What improvements are needed in the existing law pertaining to micro-mobility devices?
The existing law pertaining to micro-mobility devices is not well-written and requires amendments. It is important to clarify the authority of the Village to regulate traffic movement and parking, as well as to implement longer bans if necessary. Education and enforcement are also crucial components that should accompany any new regulations.
8. What are some different views expressed by Council members regarding micro-mobility regulation?
Council members have expressed different views on specific aspects of micro-mobility regulation. Some suggest banning higher-speed bicycles, while others emphasize the need for clear distinctions between different types of bikes to aid enforcement efforts.
9. Will the current ban on micro-mobility devices continue until a consensus is reached on regulations?
Yes, the Village will persist with the current ban on micro-mobility devices unless significant developments occur. The aim is to reach a consensus that ensures public safety and addresses the concerns of various stakeholders.
Definitions:
– Micro-mobility devices: Refers to electric bikes (e-bikes) and motorized scooters, which are typically smaller and more compact forms of transportation.
– Ordinance: A local law or regulation enacted by a municipality or other local governing body.
– Inter-local agreement: An agreement between two or more local government entities to coordinate on a certain matter of mutual interest.
– Stakeholders: Individuals or groups who have an interest or concern in a particular matter or issue.
Related Links:
– Florida Senate
– County Commissioner Raquel Regalado
– Village of Key Biscayne
