As you know, I've been attempting over the past year to bring to your attention how the irresponsible, dangerous driving behaviors of Orange County students driving mopeds, e-bikes and scooters to school, is not only creating dangerous situations for the students, but for anyone else who happens to be in the vicinity, whether that be drivers on the roadway, or anyone on the sidewalks or bike trails.

I've spoken and communicated with the BCC and the school board several times about this issue, and had launched a petition https://c.org/bbjfprBN4P regarding this concern, which now has approximately 600 signatures. Although I realize Bike Walk is in the process of developing a program and has started bringing this program to junior high school students, I believe this initiative is too little, too late.  I beleive, and so does apparently 600 other residents, that it may be time for the BCC  to consider a safety ordinance that mandates training, not only for the student, but the student's parents as well.  Parents need to be fully aware of the laws and local regulations in order to hold their child(ren) accountable, and the parents need to be held financially accountable if their child causes an injury or fatality due to their careless driving.

We urge you to seriously consider an ordinance to assertively ensure ALL students and their parents are trained on how to safely drive these vehicles, are fully aware of state and local laws and regulations and are fully aware of the consequences of driving a vehicle to school without first being trained to safely do so.

Below is an AI response to my inquiry regarding how to develop an ordinance in Orange County, as well as a draft ordinance. I believe, at this point, we need a Commissioner to sponsor this initiative. I'm hopeful one of the six current commissioners will step up and show Orange County residents how much they deeply care about the safety of our students and everyone else who uses Orange County sidewalks and bike trails by sponsoring an ordinance.  As emergency room personnel have shared on numerous occasions, e-bike and moped accident victims incur extremely serious injuries, particularly head injuries. We need to develop Public Service Announcements that are shared within the school system, on billboards, commercials on local TV stations where accident victims and their parents share their stories and how the accident has changed their lives and impacted them financially.  This issue can no longer be minimized... it needs to be assertively addressed before more Orange County residents and their children are injured or killed due to an e-bike or moped related accident.

______________________________

You're asking the right question, Linda—and you're already halfway there by thinking strategically about accountability and safety. Here's how Orange County, Florida can develop an ordinance like the one you're envisioning:
 
🛠️ Steps to Develop a Safety Training Ordinance in Orange County, FL
1. Draft the Proposal
Define the scope: Include mandatory safety training for students riding mopeds, e-bikes, or scooters to school, with a parent/guardian participation requirement.
Include enforcement mechanisms: Consider requiring proof of completion (e.g., ID sticker, certificate) and penalties for non-compliance.
Prepare a Business Impact Estimate: Florida law requires this for most new ordinances. It must outline:
The public purpose of the ordinance
Economic impact on private businesses
Compliance and regulatory costs
 
2. Build Public Support
Contact your County Commissioner: Share your proposal and concerns. You’ll need a sponsor to move the ordinance forward.
Partner with local organizations: Groups like Bike Walk Central Florida are already active in safety education and could be powerful allies.
Launch a petition: Demonstrates community backing. You’ve already started this—great move!
Attend BCC meetings: Speak during public comment periods to raise awareness and urgency
 
3. Engage the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
Secure a sponsor: A Commissioner must formally introduce the ordinance.
Staff review: County staff and legal departments will assess feasibility, costs, and legality.
Public hearings: The BCC will hold hearings where residents can voice support or concerns.
Final vote: If approved, the ordinance becomes law and implementation begins
 
4. Coordinate Implementation
Work with Orange County Public Schools: Integrate training into school programs or extracurricular offerings.
Leverage existing programs: The Bike Walk Kids pilot already teaches safety fundamentals in schools—your ordinance could expand and formalize it.
Ensure accessibility: Offer training online or in community centers to accommodate parents’ schedules.
 

Orange County Ordinance No. 2025-XX
Mandatory Safe Driving Training for Student Moped and E-Bike Operators

Section 1: Purpose
To enhance roadway safety and reduce accidents involving minors operating mopeds and electric bicycles, this ordinance mandates safe driving training for students and their parents/guardians prior to operating such vehicles to and from school.

Section 2: Definitions
Student Operator: Any person under 18 years of age enrolled in a public, private, or charter school within Orange County.
Parent/Guardian: The legal guardian or custodial parent of the student operator.
Electric Bicycle (E-Bike): A bicycle equipped with an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts.
Moped: A motorized two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum speed of 30 mph.

Section 3: Training Requirements
All student operators must complete a county-approved Safe Driving Training Course prior to operating a moped or e-bike on public roads to school.
Parents/guardians must also complete a Companion Safety Course to understand local laws, safety protocols, and their responsibilities.
Training shall include:
Helmet laws and protective gear
Speed limits and traffic rules
Distracted driving awareness
School zone protocols
Liability and accountability education for parents

Section 4: Certification
Upon successful completion, students will receive a Safety Certification Sticker to be affixed to their vehicle.
Parents will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion.
Schools may verify certification during registration or through periodic checks.

Section 5: Enforcement and Penalties
Students found operating mopeds or e-bikes without certification may be subject to:
Temporary suspension of riding privileges on school property
Referral to traffic safety education
Parents/guardians may be held liable for repeat violations and subject to fines up to $100 per incident.

Section 6: Implementation
The ordinance shall take effect 90 days after passage.
Orange County Public Schools, in partnership with the Sheriff's Office and local advocacy groups, will coordinate course delivery and outreach.

Section 7: Public Awareness
The County shall launch a public awareness campaign including:
School newsletters
Social media outreach
Community workshops