The Fort Myers Beach Town Council has voted to change its ordinance and will now allow ebikes on town sidewalks. Council members are hoping riders use common sense while riding close to pedestrians. It’s going to be nearly impossible to enforce.
The danger zone is basically from the Sea Grape Plaza to Times Square. That’s where the bike lane in the street ends and as you get closer to Times Square, pedestrian traffic increases, especially during season. It’s in that area where it becomes more dangerous for all bikers to ride. The Town Council is trying to make ebiking on Fort Myers Beach safer while not making it unsafe for walkers. It’s a tough needle to thread.Â
The ordinance change must allow ebikes to go up to a max of 15MPH due to state regulations. The Town Council was hoping to require ebikers to ride at a much slower speed on sidewalks but Town Attorney Nancy Stuperich said that’s not possible due to state rules. Â
The change will all begin with education. Bikes can not be clocked by radar. While Lee County owns Estero Boulevard and the sidewalks, the town’s code enforcement officers will be keeping an eye out for bikers who may be endangering the safety of pedestrians. If they spot a bad actor he or she may get a verbal warning. The ordinance also includes the possibility of issuing a $100 fine.Â
There was no public comment about the issue Monday but that may have been because the item did not come up until 6PM.
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