Motorized Bicycles Banned From St. Pete Beach, Traditional Bicycles Could Be Next.
- January 2, 2022
Motorized Bicycles Banned From St. Pete Beach
On December 14th a final reading of the city Commission’s micromobility ordinance took place where a ban on motorized bicycles was passed. Back in November when the first reading was held, very few residents came forward to voice an objection. Commissioner Mark Grill voiced for the ordinance to be pushed to the February meeting when the Commissioners will likely discuss whether or not to prohibit traditional bicycles as well.
DEVICES BANNED ON ST. PETE BEACH
Any use of the devices listed below, are now prohibited on the beach or sidewalk within the City of St. Pete Beach.
- – Motorized Bicycles
- – Motorized Skateboards
- – Motorized Scooters
- – Hoverboards
Commissioners passed the micromobility ordinance 4-1 with Grill dissenting. “We were just named the number one beach in the country and number five in the world, and our first activity is to remove things from the beach,” Grill said. “I’d like to see us spend some more time engaging with the public.” Grill pushed for better public engagement to “hear one way or the other” before making a final decision.
However, Commissioner Melinda Pletcher told Grill she hears complaints about the bikes “all the time.”
St. Pete Beach City Commission Meeting December 2021
In the meeting, resident Lisa Kirzman told Commissioners that one of the things that she loves about St. Pete Beach is being able to ride her electric bicycle on the beach. “People complain about everything; there’s two sides to every story. When you go ahead and make a regulation, consider the impact you have on people who enjoy the activity.” Said Kirzman. “I think there’s ways to protect people and let people enjoy the sports that they do.”
Mayor Al Johnson said the primary objective of the Commission is the safety of residents and visitors. “Now, state law shows we can ban electric bicycles from the beach, even if regular bicycles are allowed.” Said, Mayor Johnson.
Micromobility devices were banned from St. Pete Beach during a December 2021 Commission meeting
Are Traditional Bikes Allowed On St. Pete Beach?
City Manager Alex Rey has said that a comprehensive beach regulation ordinance will come before the Commission in February of 2022, where they will discuss the issue of traditional bicycles on the beach.
To voice your opinion, please contact your St. Pete Beach Discrtric Commissioners or Mayor Al Johnson, HERE.
For more details and the live recording of this Commission meeting, CLICK HERE, and fast forward to 1:23:00
