PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Pete Beach metropolis fee not too long ago banned all electric bicycles from working on the beach and conventional bicycles could also be subsequent.
“To have a complete ban is just taking away in one fell swoop something we really enjoy and I think a lot of other people do too,” mentioned resident Lisa Kurzman, 58. “I think it’s a big deal.”
What You Need To Know
- On Dec. 14, metropolis fee banned all micromobility gadgets from beach and sidewalks
- Next month the fee will resolve whether or not or to not ban common bicycles
- In 2020, the beach stewardship comittee advisable all bicycles be banned from the beach
On Dec. 14, metropolis commissioners handed the “Micromobility Ordinance” which bans the usage of motorized bicycles, skateboards, scooters and hoverboards on the beach or sidewalk. City leaders mentioned that they had gotten complaints from beachgoers who had been compelled to dodge e-bikes.
The major goal of the fee is the security of residents and guests, in keeping with Mayor Al Johnson.
Lisa Kurzman mentioned the brand new regulation has compelled riders onto busy streets like Gulf Boulevard.
“It’s like the most dangerous place in America or something like that to ride your bicycle on Gulf Boulevard,” she mentioned. “So, to be forced to do that, instead of the sidewalk or beach, it’s crazy and it’s scary.”
Daily beach walkers like Philip Smithie, 73, who’s lived in St. Pete Beach for 30 years, mentioned he helps the brand new ban.
“I applaud the city for bringing the ordinance out because it needed to be done,” he mentioned. “Somebody will get hurt and nobody wants that.”
Smithie mentioned his greatest concern is {that a} little one will get hit. The longtime beach resident mentioned he has practically been struck a number of instances.
“They come along and they don’t want to put the wheels in the water. So, they come alongside and I’ve been brushed several times,” mentioned Smithie. “I don’t want to see a toddler hurt. I don’t think any bicycle needs to be on the beach.”
In 2020, the Beach Stewardship Committee advisable no bicycles of any sort needs to be allowed to function on the beach. City leaders will tackle common bicycles being allowed on the beach in February, when the excellent beach regulation ordinance comes earlier than the fee, in keeping with City Manager Alex Rey.
Kurzman mentioned she helps a ban on all rental electric bicycles however believes residents ought to nonetheless have the ability to journey their very own.
“To have it taken away, it seems without a lot of thought into it. I mean there could be other changes made,” she mentioned. “Just not enough public awareness. I don’t know if people really understood.”