NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — Neptune Beach Police are cracking down on bicyclists by making sure they are obeying speed limits and traffic laws. First Street is a pedestrian friendly area and many say they are concerned someone going too fast is going to hurt themselves and others.
About two weeks ago, a man riding an electric bicycle intoxicated in Neptune Beach is accused of hitting and injuring a woman walking down the road.
"I see them doing wheelies and riding on wheelies for 3 to 4 blocks," Neptune Beach resident Jay Lubeck said.
Lubeck owns an electric bicycle like many others but he says some riding down First Street in Neptune Beach are not doing it safely.
"It's crazy, they are going way too fast," Lubeck said.
On October 28, Neptune Beach Police say a woman was walking on First Street when she was hit by an electric bicycle driven by 30-year-old David Gallagher. The victim had road rash and bruises.
The arrest report doesn't list Gallagher's blood alcohol content but does say the responding officer noticed he had 'red and watery eyes', slurred speech, and smelled alcohol coming from his breath.
Gallagher was arrested and charged with reckless driving with damage and disorderly intoxication. Neptune Beach Police say he was already on probation for DUI manslaughter from a crime in 2012. He spent less than 8 years in prison.
Lubeck says he didn't see the accident but says it doesn't surprise him because e-bikes are quiet.
"People don't expect a bike to be coming that fast," Lubeck said.
Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key says officers have been cracking down on bicyclists on First Street who fail to obey traffic laws since August.
"Just slow it down," Lubeck added.
A Neptune Beach ordinance says the city has the right to regulate the operation of bicycles, electric bicycles and other toy vehicles.