ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – To some, e-bikes are not only quick but quickly becoming a serious safety concern.
With children and young adults increasingly involved in accidents, the Florida Senate has approved a bill aimed at regulating e-bike speeds and improving pedestrian safety.
For those out walking or running, the last thing they want is to get hit by an e-bike. Some in west Orange County say they’re glad state regulations are being discussed, but believe additional safety measures should also be considered.
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Linda Sibley is calling for stronger safety measures after she says she was almost hit while out on a run.
“It’s not just a problem, this is catastrophic and it’s going to continue to grow,” she said. “They were coming so fast and I had very little, if any, reaction time.”
Across the state, there has been a rise in deadly e-bike crashes.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill to regulate e-bikes, setting a 10-mph speed limit around pedestrians, requiring riders to yield on sidewalks and in parks, and mandating an audible signal when passing. Violations could result in a fine.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, says the goal is simple, as the bill also mentions have a micromobility task force.
“My hope is that it saves lives. E-bikes are a great option for mobility, but the reality is we see a lot of users that are not trained,” she said.
Sibley, says although its a good start, she questions whether regulations alone will solve the issue.
“I believe you can come up with all of the laws you want, all of the regulations, but the bottom line is if they don’t know how to drive safely, it won’t matter,” she said.
Sibley says she has sent multiple emails to Orange County leaders and the school board urging them to create a mandatory e-bike safety program that would require certification.
“They need something like driver’s education. They need to be out there on a street with a simulation so they can learn how to react.”
The bill passed by the Senate is now headed to the House floor. If approved there, it will move on to the governor for consideration.
[MORE: MetroPlan Orlando to pilot free e-bike safety course for students]