Feb.2, 2022 • Volume 11, Issue 2 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
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E-bike town ordinance being planned ahead of tourist season By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
If you’re not really paying attention, you might think all bikes are created equal. But a trend toward electric motorized bikes is causing much concern among users of the already congested pathways on Hilton Head Island. After a number of residents raised repeated concerns about the growing use of the e-bikes along island pathways, the Town’s Public Planning Committee is looking to create an ordinance governing the proper use of the vehicles. The issue was brought to the Town in early 2021 and the discussion is just now gaining momentum toward an ordinance. Electric bikes have a motor that can be triggered either by pedaling or by using a throttle similar to a scooter or motorcycle.
The bikes have become popular among older residents and visitors who have eschewed pedaling a bike but want to continue to include biking as part of their exercise plan. They have also become popular with teenage bike riders and with commuters traveling across the island for work. The popularity of e-bikes is exploding nationwide, with a 240% growth from July 2020 to July 2021. That is 16 times faster than the 15% growth of regular bike sales in the same period. What was at first seen as a fad by bike enthusiasts at the onset of the COVID pandemic has turned into a sustained growth in both usage and in sales. There are a handful of businesses on Hilton Head that now exclusively sell and rent e-bikes, some that have up to a 100-mile range on one charge.
Please see E-BIKES on page 10A
COURTESY AVOCADO BIKES
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular on island beaches and pathways. Discussion continues about a proposed Town ordinance to govern proper use of the bikes.
‘State of the Sound Symposium’ on ecology set for Feb. 11 The Port Royal Sound Foundation will host the first State of the Sound Symposium, moderated by Dr. Chris Marsh. The event will be held virtually, via Zoom, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb 11. Several area experts from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and University of South Caroli-
School populations push district capacity 14A
na-Beaufort will discuss what knowledge currently exists about the ecology of the Port Royal Sound. The event will feature a series of short talks covering an array of topics including crustaceans, fish, underwater soundscapes, dolphins, shorebirds, water quality, geology, and land use. A roundtable discussion will follow
Faithful volunteers tend to feral cat colonies 18A
that explores how future research can help citizens better understand and protect this incredible resource in the heart of the Lowcountry. Registration, information & schedule available at: portroyalsoundfoundation. org/event/sos. The Port Royal Sound Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to
New at comedy, Matt Stock sets record at Roasting Room 26A
preserving the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of our area. The Foundation is committed to education, research, conservation and sustainability. For more information, contact Kat Armstrong at 843-645-7774 or email at karmstrong@portroyalsoundfoundation. org.
“Curious Incident” takes stage at Arts Center 47A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Noteworthy 40A • Business 41A • Wellness 51A • Faith 55A • Giving 47A • Nature’s Way 57A • Pets 59A • Sports 62A