LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — Residents in Lake Worth Beach are raising safety concerns about electric bikes and scooters traveling at high speeds on sidewalks, joining a growing debate across Palm Beach County about regulating these vehicles in pedestrian areas.
On the Lake Worth Beach boardwalk, pedestrians say electric bikes are moving too fast for safe pedestrian traffic.
WATCH BELOW: Residents push for e-bike rules in Lake Worth Beach
"I think that the e-bikes are too slow for the road, and they're too fast for the sidewalk, and that's the problem," one resident said.
"The e-bikes are potentially going up to 25, to 30 mph, feel like that's pretty dangerous for people just walking," another resident said.
Safety concerns are particularly urgent for vulnerable populations, including elderly residents and those with medical conditions.
"I have a really bad neck injury, so like if somebody did run into me, like it's catastrophic," one pedestrian said.
Lake Worth Beach currently has no ordinance regulating e-bikes on sidewalks, making it legal for these vehicles to operate in pedestrian areas. This sets the city apart from neighboring municipalities that have taken action in recent months.
Boca Raton has hosted safety town halls to address e-bike concerns, while Jupiter implemented park-specific rules for electric bike usage. Boynton Beach began exploring a complete sidewalk ban for e-bikes.
Some residents believe the lack of regulation leaves pedestrians vulnerable and are calling on city leaders to take action.
"They don't belong on the road. They don't belong on a sidewalk. So figure out a plan B here… That's your job if you're on the city council," one resident said.
City officials say there is no ordinance in place currently, but the issue could soon be added to the city agenda. Residents hope discussions will lead to action in the near future.
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