As a proud owner of an e-bike, I find the recent adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-5 by St. Johns County, Florida, overwhelmingly restrictive and detrimental to the fundamental elements of e-bike usage. The ordinance prohibits e-bikes from going over 10 mph and severely limits where and how we can use them. These limitations not only hinder our freedom to enjoy the benefits of e-biking but also affect those of us who rely on them for daily commutes, exercise, and recreational enjoyment.

E-bikes serve as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation that helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Imposing such harsh restrictions counteracts these benefits and undermines the growing movement toward sustainable living. Communities around the world are embracing e-bikes, not restricting them arbitrarily. We understand the importance of protecting endangered species such as turtles, and we advocate for that portion of the ordinance to remain intact. However, blanket speed and usage restrictions do more harm than good, punishing responsible riders and stifling innovation.

Many e-bike models are designed to safely operate at speeds higher than 10 mph. The imposed speed limit restricts the functionality of most e-bikes, rendering them ineffective and reducing their appeal to potential users. Cities like Austin, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado, have embraced regulations that prioritize safety while still allowing higher speed limits on e-bikes, balancing recreational and environmental interests.

It is imperative that St. Johns County reassesses Ordinance No. 2024-5 and works with the e-bike community to create a reasonable framework that promotes safe e-bike usage without wide-ranging prohibitive measures. Study data, review public input, and observe successful regulations from other cities to foster an environment where e-bikes can thrive responsibly alongside nature.

We are calling on the county authorities to reconsider and amend the restrictions placed by this ordinance, safeguarding the benefits of e-biking for all. Please sign this petition to urge the revocation of the speed and usage limitations while maintaining environmental protections. Let us work together for a more inclusive and environmentally friendly approach.