NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A proposal to bring “pedal pubs,” large multi-seat bicycles that allow riders to drink alcohol while pedaling between stops, to New Smyrna Beach is facing opposition from city staff and the police chief ahead of a final commission vote Tuesday night.
The vehicles, officially labeled “commercial megacycles,” are already popular attractions in Tampa, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine. Riders pedal together while a designated operator steers, often while traveling between bars.
City officials in New Smyrna Beach say the concept does not fit the area’s narrow and busy streets. In a written recommendation, staff urged commissioners to deny the ordinance, citing congestion on Canal Street and Flagler Avenue. The police chief expressed similar concerns, arguing that the slow-moving vehicles could create traffic problems and safety issues.
“Pedal pubs are slow-moving vehicles which create congestion and pose safety hazards when motorists attempt to pass them on narrow streets,” the chief wrote in an email.
Visitors and residents walking through the downtown district Monday said they understand the concerns.
“I think that has a very, a very good amount of worry with that because Canal is already pretty busy,” one resident said.
Others said they have seen pedal pubs work in other cities but believe New Smyrna Beach’s layout could make it more difficult.
“When it’s busy down here, when we’re here in the warmer weather, it’s really congested,” another visitor said. “I think it would be a big issue around here. I would imagine if you’re going to be on Flagler.”
Not everyone is opposed to the idea. A resident suggested testing the concept before making a final decision, saying, “How about a trial basis? How about bringing it on for, you know, four months and then reassess it?”
City staff did not propose a pilot period and instead recommended that commissioners reject the ordinance entirely.
The New Smyrna Beach City Commission is expected to take its final vote Tuesday night. If the measure is approved, pedal pubs could begin operating along designated downtown routes. If it is rejected, the concept may remain off the roads for now.