I just cleaned out my email junk/spam folder. Out of 300, there were five that I wanted to rescue and have them delivered in the future to my inbox.

Here are the best ways to insure the Newsletter g…

Read more

In July and August cycling’s “crème de la crème” takes center stage. The men’s Tour de France and the women’s Tour de France Femmes will captivate avid cyclists worldwide.

Read more

You can find the listing on our companion website Florida Cycling.us, along with links for more event information. We regularly add events as information becomes available.

Read more

E-bikes are only going to grow in popularity in Florida and nationwide, with the price point for some models now less than $1,200.

Florida lawmakers are paying attention

Earlier this year, the Florida House and Senate unanimously passed a bill (SB 382), addressing related safety concerns for e-bikes, and other electric moto rides. At the time of this writing, the bill is awaiting final action before becoming law. If enacted, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.

When was the last time you heard of a bill passing unanimously in the Florida legislature or for that matter in the U.S. Congress? Hats off to Florida legislators.

Florida law has recognized electric bicycles for several years. The Sunshine State law defines e-bikes as bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Florida’s existing e-bike classifications remain largely unchanged.

What’s the focus of this new bill

This new bill would focus primarily on rider behavior around pedestrians, rental company requirements, data collection, and the creation of a statewide Micromobility Device Safety Task Force.

One of the most significant proposed changes would require e-bike riders to exercise greater caution when operating near pedestrians.

Riders would be required to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal when appropriate, and slow to 10 mph when riding within 50 feet of pedestrians on sidewalks, shared-use paths, and other encounters.

The same traffic laws that apply to bicycles also apply to e-bikes. Both need to obey posted speed limits, the right-of-way rules, stopping at stop signs and traffic signals.

Where can e-bikes be ridden

This is where e-bike riders need to be aware of the state laws, but also local regulations.

Florida law generally allows e-bikes to be ridden where bicycles are allowed. However, local governments, park agencies, land managers, and facility owners may establish additional rules.

In essence, e-bike access may vary depending on where you ride. Some communities permit e-bikes on sidewalks and shared-use paths, while others impose restrictions. State parks, local parks, trails, beaches, and natural areas may also have their own regulations.

Before riding in a new location, it is always a good idea to review local rules and posted signs.

Florida already recognizes three classes of e-bikes

The Florida Department of Transportation has published this fact sheet defining e-bike classifications, other electric devices, and safety recommendations.

Electric scooters and bikes that exceed 750 watts and 28 mph do not fit within Florida’s statutory definition of an electric bicycle or scooter. That distinction is important because many of these moto devices creating concern in communities today are classified outside of the Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bikes.

While this newsletter issue is focused on e-bikes, a more comprehensive article about Florida laws governing the use of e-scooters can be found at A Ride Junkie.

Florida is not alone

At this point, Florida lawmakers have taken a safety and education approach over a penalties approach. Currently, 36 states and the District of Columbia have specific e-bike laws using Class 1, 2, and 3 system.

For example, New Jersey has enacted the most restrictive statutes. E-bike riders in New Jersey must have a license, register their e-bike and display a license plate, and carry liability insurance; Illinois reclassified the highest-powered devices; Washington tightened its definition of an e-bike; Utah expanded helmet rules; and Massachusetts just filed a first-in the nation insurance proposal.

Some Florida cities and counties have or are considering additional restrictions

While Florida law provides a statewide framework for bicycles and e-bikes, local governments and land management agencies may adopt additional regulations for facilities under their control. It is important to check with your hometown for any e-bike laws. These will be in addition to state laws.

• Orange County Commissioners (Greater Orlando area) are engaged in public hearings to consider the proper extent of laws governing wearing helmets, setting speed limits, and/or fines to help enforce e-bike and e-scooter safety.

• Palm Beach has adopted local ordinances restricting the operation of e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices on sidewalks, multimodal trails, and the Lake Trail. The town also established local age and identification requirements for certain micromobility users. Riders should familiarize themselves with local regulations before operating an e-bike on the island.

• Florida State Parks, county parks, beaches, wildlife management areas, and other public lands may have regulations that differ from state traffic laws. Riders should review local rules before riding. Regardless of location, good cycling etiquette includes obeying posted speed limits, yielding to pedestrians and equestrians, and respecting facilities designated for foot traffic only.

This issue of Florida Cycling Newsletter on riding e-bikes in Florida is not intended to be comprehensive. Please consult your local authorities.

Here are some links for further reading if you’re so inclined

• Florida e-Bike Laws (2026): License, Registration, and Where You Can Ride

• E-bike speed limits. What to know in Florida

• Florida e-Bike Laws 2026: New Safety Rules & Classes

• Florida Legislature approves tighter e-bike regulations

• 12 Best Cheap E-Bikes Under $2,000, Tested by Bicycling

As avid cyclists, you and I, at some time, may reach the point where riding an e-bike on the road, gravel, or trail might be the way to go to keep us in the saddle with the wind blowing in our face. Give yourself permission.

And whether you are on an e-bike, road bike, gravel, or MTB, a good rule is to be a good neighbor and citizen. Consider others, as much as you would want others to be considerate of you. For your safety and that of others.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

New cycling events have been posted that are happening in June before the weather turns too hot and humid. Find them at FloridaCycling.us/events.

Consider becoming a monthly or annual paid subscriber. You gain full access to over 79 past newsletters and all future ones.

See paid options and discount

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in the Tampa/St. Pete, Pinellas County region might not be a destination ride for every cyclist. However, if you enjoy exploring, being around an eclectic citizenry, culture, and scenery...this point-to-point route might be worth considering for a day, weekend o…

Read more

That message stood out to me again, as I recently attended the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.. Throughout the meetings, presentations, and conversations it became clear: meaningful change often starts locally, one rider to another, whether child or adult. National organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups all play important roles, but nothing replaces the impact of life on life.

My own journey began not in a boardroom or at a conference, but in my neighborhood while teaching my son how to ride his new road bike.

As we rode together, I began to realize what I had observed many times before, but never fully processed. Riders of all ages want to enjoy riding a bicycle. Yet, many either lack the confidence, skills, or instruction to ride safely. Maybe, I thought some simple instruction, encouragement, fun, and a little community support could prevent crashes, close calls or anything worse.

At the time, I was just another cyclist who cared about my family and my community. I was not trying to start a statewide initiative or become deeply involved in bicycle safety. I simply wanted to help.

Read more

If you are looking for events on road, gravel, mountain bike trails and paved trails, we’ve located something for you.

Whether you are a novice or experienced rider there are cycling events for you.

There is a good selection of distances available to choose from. Several events have “family friendly” distances so you can ride together as a family and introduce your kids to the joy of toeing the line with a group of other kids. You might even hear them say, “How cool is this”!

Here are just a few of the events happening in Florida and neighboring states.

Thank you for visiting Florida Cycling Newsletter.

This post is open to paid subscribers. Gives you unlimited, full access to all current, past and future newsletters.

Upgrade to Full Access

Read more

This is an important cause for avid Florida cyclists because our state ranks in the top five U.S.…

Read more

What Makes for a Florida Cycling Mecca

• The city or area has multiple options to choose from depending upon the type of bike or experience the cyclist is looking for, whether riding roads, …

Read more

I’m strong enough to hold my own with a peloton rolling at 23+ mph when I can hide in the draft.

The “Ride with the Legends” event, hosted by St. Petersburg Bicycle Club (SPBC) on Feb. 21, brought out several hundred star-struck cyclists for three events throughout the day, culminating with a members-only evening and “Stories from Two Legends.”

Read more

The Hot Dog Ride is happenin’ this Saturday, March 14 at 8:30 a.m., just east of Sarasota. It looks like a lot of fun. Put on by the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club (SMBC).

Multiple paces. Multiple distan…

Read more

For more information, click the graphic to be taken to the event website or Facebook page.

Read more

This 47-mile loop trail around the lake has both paved and gravel sections. The majority is paved. See the map below for the gravel and paved sections.

Read more

There are road, MTB, gravel and paved trail events. Whatever flavor of ride you are looking for they are happening.

Here are a few of the events coming up in Florida. Also, listed are select events in surrounding states.

Florida Cycling Newsletter is cyclist-supported. Keeping you exploring, informed and connected! Become a supporting subscriber to read on and gain access to all newsletters. Less than $1/week.

Read more

You think WE have obstacles on the roads in Florida. Have you heard what happened a week ago at the Tour Down Under race in Adelaide, Australia? Two rather large kangaroos decided to cross the road right in front of the peloton.

Several riders went …

Read more

SWAMP MTB Club maintains and improves six parks open to the public, some of which they have designed, funded and built. The club webs…

Read more

Preparing for and riding in a cycling event in 2026 is a great new year’s resolution.

Florida Cycling Newsletter does the research and provides a comprehensive list of cycling events.

As a free subscriber, you have access to some “unlocked” articles peppered throughout our Florida Cycling Newsletter site. If you become a paid subscriber, you have full access to all of the Florida Cycling Newsletter articles, past and future. Click here, enter your email address to open your account and consider these subscription options.

Read more

While Florida is replete with hundreds of bike trails across our great state, only a few reach the level of being deemed a “Destination Trail”.

At Florida Cycling…

Read more

What sets a Destination Trail apart from others is their beauty, variety of scenery, length, good maintenance, accessibility and terrific reviews by other cyclists. They are worthy of making a 2-3 hour road trip to experience what the trail has …

Read more

New technology keeps us safer with a rear flashing light, video camera and an alarm. But the risk remains.

Keep reading for a way your voice can be heard to change things in Florida

Driving distracted is a…

Read more