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November 2024
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
The Electric Revolution E-BIKES AND FLORIDA LAW
From Florida to Fairbanks, electric bikes — also known as e-bikes — are a common sight on roadways, bike paths, and tracks. They have become exceedingly popular in recent years, with sales exceeding $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. It is easy to see why: They offer a convenient, environmentally friendly method of transportation. Since Florida has the nation’s highest average car insurance premiums, they are also more affordable than motorcycles or their four-wheeled counterparts. However, with e-bikes being used more and more frequently, Florida’s motorists need to understand the laws that govern their use. E-Bike Classifications To help you navigate the legal status of e-bikes, you need to understand how Florida classifies them. Under Florida Statutes Section 316.003(23), e-bikes are classified into three categories, which align with federal guidelines: Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum speed of 20 mph. Class 2: Throttle-assist e-bikes that can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph without pedaling. Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum speed of 28 mph.
These classifications are important because Florida law treats compliant e-bikes similarly to traditional bicycles. Whether you are an e-bike owner or considering purchasing one, you should know that as long as it falls under one of the three classifications, no license, insurance, or registration is required. This means anyone 16 and older can ride e-bikes in bike lanes, multiuse paths, and on most streets, and anyone under 16 can do the same so long as they wear a helmet. Because of how they are classified, e-bikes are an inexpensive and accessible alternative mode of transportation, especially for short-distance travel. Key Legal Considerations for E-Bikes Florida generally allows e-bikes on bike lanes, streets, and shared- use paths unless prohibited by local ordinance. Always check specific municipal rules, as some cities may have additional restrictions on where Class 3 e-bikes can be used. If your bike exceeds the legal limits for power (750 watts) or speed (28 mph), it may be classified as a motor vehicle under Florida law, meaning it could require a driver’s license, registration, and insurance to operate. This is particularly important if you modify your e-bike to go faster or if you purchase a more powerful model that exceeds the legal definition of an e-bike. While enforcement of e-bike regulations is generally minimal, riding a non-compliant e-bike could result in fines or other penalties, especially if you’re involved in an accident. Additionally, if your e-bike is classified as a motor vehicle but you’re riding without the proper license or insurance, you could face more severe consequences. To avoid complications, make sure your e-bike meets Florida’s legal requirements. If you’re unsure whether your bike is compliant or if you
need more detailed advice, check the full text of Florida Statutes Section 316.003 or consult with Mr. Shapiro or one of the other attorneys at the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. Don’t forget about our toll-free number: 1 (866) BIKE LAW . -Marc L. Shapiro
(239) 500-5000 • 1
Alec Baldwin Walks Free After Case Dismissed Hollywood Ending
involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-Reed loaded the gun that killed Hutchins likely contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal.
Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.”The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the trial, but it was filed under a separate case number — even though the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star-turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful exultation. This was his Hollywood ending.
Photo: Abhi Suryawanshi
About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.”You might believe this would be an open-and- shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic, Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame? Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of
Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s
involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that
UNMATCHED RESULTS
HAPPY CLIENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES “My wife and I are extremely happy we chose The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro to represent our case. Very organized and professional, with great communication throughout the process. We started out with our case worker Katie Moore. She has been outstanding! Communicated with us about the process monthly. Keep great records, receipts, and journals, and up to date with all the insurance companies, doctor bills, and hospitals. The Law Office of Marc L. Shapiro is the firm you want to represent you, hands down. Forget about all the ads you hear on the TV and radio advertising law firms; Marc Shapiro is the lawyer you want!” –Daniel O. “Thank you, Katie, for helping me with my doctors and my case. I’m glad we chose you guys to help us get through our situation.” –Caro M. “I highly recommend the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro for anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. From our first conversation, I was impressed by their professionalism, compassion, and dedication. They took the time to understand my case in detail and kept me informed every step of the way. Throughout the process, Marc L. Shapiro demonstrated a deep knowledge of personal injury law and litigation. Marc fought tirelessly to ensure I received the compensation I deserved. His attention to detail and strong negotiation skills were evident, and I always felt confident my case was in good hands. In addition, Katie and Stephanie were incredibly supportive and approachable. Katie and Stephanie were always available to answer my never-ending plethora of questions and provided clear, honest answers. Their genuine care for my well-being made a difficult time much easier to navigate. Thanks to the Law Firm of Marc L. Shapiro, I was able to secure a favorable outcome and move forward with my life. I can’t thank you all enough! If you’re looking for a highly skilled and compassionate Law Firm, look no further! The Law Firm of Marc L. Shapiro truly goes above and beyond for their clients.” –Miguel N.
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Pedestrians and Vehicles
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Cars incorporate safety features to protect both the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. These include bumpers, seat belts, airbags, automatic braking systems, and crumple zones. Despite these, if you are involved in a car accident, you can still suffer trauma, injury, or death. Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles have none of those protections. That is why vehicle-pedestrian collisions can be so dangerous. By the Numbers In 2021, over 60,000 pedestrians were injured in car accidents across the United States. Over 7,000 of them died. The risks of vehicle- pedestrian collisions are compounded by a number of factors. For one, over 75% of fatal pedestrian crashes occur in the dark, an additional 4%. You are more likely to be struck when you are harder to see. Astoundingly, around 75% of pedestrian deaths occur outside
an intersection, when speed limits are higher, and there are more lanes, heightening the risks. Pedestrians cannot control other factors that contribute to their vulnerability. About 40% of pedestrian fatalities involved an alcohol- impaired motorist. Moreover, the faster the car travels, the higher the risk to the pedestrian. While a pedestrian only has a 10% chance of fatality if struck at 16 mph, that risk increases to 90% if the car is traveling at least 58 mph. Advice for Pedestrians Pedestrians can make several choices that will significantly reduce their chance of injury. Make sure you obey traffic signals. Cross the road at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing the oncoming traffic so you can see and avoid approaching vehicles. Do not stand in the road or suddenly leave the curb in front of a car.
Avoid walking on the highway, highway ramps, or near the interstate. If you need help negotiating with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit for personal injuries, The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. can help. Contact us online or at 239-500-5000 for a free consultation about your options after a vehicle versus pedestrian accident.
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Crunchy, Lemony Salmon
Ingredients
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
• • • • • •
6 tbsp unsalted butter 3 garlic cloves, smashed 3/4 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
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1 tsp each black pepper and salt, divided
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 2 tbsp heavy cream 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
3/4 cup panko
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon zest
1 (3-lb) skin-on salmon fillet (1 1/4-inches thick)
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a medium bowl, stir together crackers, panko, thyme, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Add melted garlic butter and combine. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, stir together cream and mustard; set aside. Drizzle oil in a heatproof baking dish and place fish, skin side down, in the center. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Brush fish evenly with cream mixture. Top fish with cracker mixture, gently pressing into fish. 5. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400 F. Bake until crumbs turn golden brown, 15–18 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY FIREPLACE
GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE
PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside
How Florida Treats E-Bikes Legally Page 1 Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’Trial Clients Are Singing Our Praises Page 2 Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions Crunchy, Lemony Salmon Page 3 TikTok’s Strange North Sea Sensation Page 4
Billions Buoyed by North Sea Videos The Tides of TikTok
Sailors on the high seas, handling their posts on an 18th-century ship of the line, were once at the mercy of nature. The waves decided whether they made it to their destination, be it a frozen Scandinavian port or a bustling Boston harbor, or succumbing to its wrath and ending up as a wreck on the desolate seafloor. Now, social media denizens surf the proverbial waves of the TikTok algorithm, hoping to find entertainment but not knowing where it will take them. Lately, that algorithm has steered millions into the ominous depths of North Sea TikTok. Chorus of Sailors About three years ago, sea shanties, songs that had once been sung on the decks of maritime freighters and frigates hundreds of years ago, became TikTok sensations. Many
artists, including Bobby Waters, went on to cover these shanties. The cover songs, including Waters’ version of “Hoist the Colours,” became viral sensations. But Waters kept toying with “Hoist the Colours,” adding foreboding bass lines and layering the chorus with deep-voiced singers adding other lines. In the North Sea While Waters could not have predicted his cover would take on a life of its own, it has now become the soundtrack to the videos on what is known as North Sea TikTok, a genre of videos showing severe storms in the waters between the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. The videos captivate many because they feature colossal waves crashing against modern ships and oil rigs and because of the melancholy music.
North Sea videos, many set to Waters’“Hoist the Colours,” have accrued billions of views. Mysteriously, many web surfers end up in this corner of TikTok without knowing how their viewing histories brought them in the first place. The main culprit? A travel-focused TikTok channel, @ukdestinations, which began making videos about the rough waters of the North Sea after years of posting about British travel destinations. So, if you’ve ended up with the North Sea TikTok videos in your feed, now you know why.
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