The streets of Key Biscayne were so empty of e-bikes and scooters that it appeared as though a time warp had occurred, transporting us back to a period before the invention of lithium batteries.
Some were startled to see how few cars were on island roads in the first two days following an emergency ban on micromobility devices.
Frank Sousa, the police chief, stated on Saturday night, “0 tickets.” Following the Valentine’s Day death of a cherished tutor, Megan Andrews, the prohibition was implemented. The collision between her unpowered bike and the 12-year-old boy’s e-bike has been declared an accident by the authorities.
Officer Marcos Diaz was positioned on the Village Green on Saturday in his marked SUV. A boy on an e-bike, donning a motorbike helmet, hesitantly walked up.
With a warm smile on his face, Diaz got out of his automobile.
In response to a subdued inquiry over the restriction of e-bike use to Crandon Boulevard, Diaz stated, “You’re doing the right thing.” After giving the child a pat on his helmet, he sent him on his way.
Ready to hand out color flyers to any bikers he might come across, Diaz carried a stack of them with him. He added that multiple notices of the prohibition were distributed close to MAST Academy.
Mayor Joe Rasco announced that he had contacted the principals of the nearby schools to inform them that action was imminent before the Village Council approved the ban on Friday. Many children had been riding scooters to school with their backpacks securely fastened in the hours prior to the prohibition.
Vice Mayor Allison McCormick predicted noncompliance throughout the debate, to the point where the Council will examine a permanent ban and a resolution for the impoundment of e-bikes and scooters in March.
However, the island’s roadways were devoid of loud, swift machines for the first two days at least; the only vehicles there were a few joggers, rollerbladers, and unpowered bicycles. And a bunch of kids putting up a makeshift lemonade stand in front of a house.
Yes, a time warp.
“What a breath of fresh air,” remarked former council member Luis de la Cruz. “Not having to deal with an e-bike landscape akin to Mad Max on our idyllic island.”
The riders, many of whom are adults, who relied on micromobility devices for their commute are left behind.
The Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce recommended using Freebee or the bus for such commuters.
State law, according to officials, only gave the Village an all-or-nothing choice; Key Biscayne was not permitted to enact age or licensing limitations. A year ago, a bill put forth by state representative Vicki Lopez that would have permitted more complex regulation was killed in the Florida Legislature.
