NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — New Smyrna Beach commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve restrictions on electric bicycles, scooters and similar devices, with $150 fines for riding violations and a $25 fine for helmet violations involving riders ages 16 and 17.
The 5-0 vote followed resident concerns about pedestrian safety and a public forum led by Police Chief Chris Kirk.
“The goal is not to prohibit or punish, but to make everybody work cohesively together to enjoy things safely throughout the community,” Kirk told commissioners.
Where riding is restricted
The ordinance included in the city’s Nov. 10 meeting materials prohibits riding e-bikes, motorized scooters, electric unicycles and similar motorized devices within city recreational parks unless signs expressly authorize their use. Riders may dismount and walk their devices through those areas.
The ordinance also allows the city manager to restrict devices on sidewalks, bicycle paths and multiuse paths where they pose a potential hazard to pedestrians. Those restrictions must be designated by signs, markings or other traffic-control devices.
Other provisions prohibit riding on city recreational courts and on public sidewalks within the Mainland and Flagler Avenue special parking districts, business districts and shopping centers.
Helmet requirements and penalties
Riders ages 16 and 17 must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened bicycle helmet under the ordinance. Violations carry a $25 fine plus applicable court costs.
Other first violations carry a $150 fine plus applicable court costs. Repeat violations may result in police seizing the device, according to the ordinance presented to commissioners.
New commissioners take office
Before the regular meeting, Volusia County Court Judge Wesley Heidt administered the oath of office to Mayor Fred Cleveland for his third two-year term.
Zone 1 Commissioner Curtis Hodges and Zone 2 Commissioner Jennifer Devine were sworn in for their first four-year terms.
Outgoing Zone 2 Commissioner Lisa Martin passed a bouquet to Devine as a symbolic handoff.
“There isn’t a literal baton to pass, so I’m going to pass this as my baton,” Martin said.
Commissioners also appointed Zone 4 Commissioner Brian Ashley vice mayor, succeeding Zone 3 Commissioner Jason McGuirk. The position rotates annually among the four zone commissioners.
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