A new pilot program that could give Key Biscayne unprecedented control over e-bikes and electric scooters on a major tourist thoroughfare won approval from the Miami-Dade County Commission Tuesday.
Key Biscayne adopted a temporary ban on the micromobility devices days after a Feb. 14 collision that took the life of tutor Megan Andrews. The restrictions only applied to “local” streets and did not impact Crandon Boulevard, the road that connects residents and visitors alike to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and other island destinations.
Village Manager Steve Williamson said he was grateful that Commissioner Raquel Regalado sought passage, but declined to say what kind of additional restrictions –if any – the Village might seek. “I don’t want to put words in the mouths of council members,” he said.
The new County law —which expires in two years – allows the Village to craft its own rules, allowing a consistent enforcement policy.
In the interim, the County ordinance:
- prohibits operation on sidewalks and requires they be operated in bike lanes
- prohibits more than one rider
- sets a 20 mph speed limit
The Village Council is in the process of writing a permanent ordinance for the devices. But some riders —adults and teens – are pushing for the device to be legalized as an alternative mode of transportation. Williamson said a first draft is expected by the May 14 Council meeting.
Mayor Joe Rasco, who was present for the Commission vote, said developing additional rules will be a negotiation with the County that serve as a model for other municipalities. Within the Village, he sees his Council colleagues extending the current restrictions .
“Most of us are intent to ban them from our streets until we can look at an age restriction,” Rasco said.
County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava supported the measure. In a memo endorsing the law, Public Safety Chief James Reyes said the administration viewed it as a “ social benefit” for “residents and visitors who may not have access to an automobile.” The ordinance says any proposed Village rule must get approval from the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works.
The Village always had the option of enforcing existing state law banning motorized devices on sidewalks. Police Chief Frank Sousa and Village Manager Steve Williamson have expressed concern that would drive e-bike and scooter traffic into a more dangerous Crandon for younger riders.
Police have also raised concerns about not having enough resources. The new legislation allows enforcement by code enforcement personnel.
But despite the Village’s fears, the devices largely vanished from Village streets after the temporary ban went into effect. A KBI reader survey also found broad support for restrictions, although there was support for a return of the devices under limited conditions.
This story has been updated to include comment from Mayor Rasco.
Tony Winton is the editor-in-chief of the Key Biscayne Independent and president of Miami Fourth Estate, Inc. He worked previously at The Associated Press for three decades winning multiple Edward R. Murrow awards. He was president of the News Media Guild, a journalism union, for 10 years. Born in Chicago, he is a graduate of Columbia University. His interests are photography and technology, sailing, cooking, and science fiction.