A New Proposal To Better Regulate E-Bikes On Nantucket

To the editor:  Nantucketers far and wide, I hope this finds y’all well-rested after your summer break. I currently sit on the Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) with an outstanding group of community members and will be putting forward an article regarding e-bikes and micro-mobility devices for our next Annual Town Meeting. This article will address a 20-mph maximum speed limit on all paths, etiquette for oncoming travelers, and the registration of certain devices. As you may know, there was an article proposing an outright ban on e-bikes and micro-mobility devices on our multi-use paths and bikeways, along with a letter from Mr. Rick Angelo, with whom my fellow BPAC members respectfully disagree because of the significant benefits they provide to workers, families, children, visitors, and residents of Nantucket. They also help alleviate some of our traffic issues - see Gary Roberts' outstanding results and reporting on the WAVE, etc.

My draft proposal, with the support of BPAC and hopefully support from all local bike shops, the Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments, and Nantucket Cottage Hospital, includes the following points to amend and add new language to: Article IV ~ Bicycle Right of Way:

The speed limit for bicycles, scooters, micro-mobility vehicles, or Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use/shared use paths will not exceed 20 mph while traveling along Nantucket pathways. When within ten (10) feet of a pedestrian (or dog walker), the rider will not exceed 5 mph. Before overtaking a pedestrian(s), a rider(s) shall notify them by voice, bell, or bike horn of their presence as they approach from behind.

Responsibility Code: An overtake occurs when you are approaching a walker from behind and intend to pass them. They have the right of way because they cannot see you approaching. Calling out “on your left” is the acceptable way to pass, alerting the pedestrian that you are approaching and on which side you will be passing. This amendment pertains to micro-mobility/e-bikes on multi-use paths and roadways. Right of way will be given to people ahead of you or down the path from you.

Micro-mobility, Scooters, and E-bikes:

A. Electric bikes (e-bikes) in Massachusetts are generally treated the same as other bicycles, with some additional regulations:

1. Age: Riders must be at least 16 years old.

2. Speed: Motorized bicycles, including e-bikes, cannot exceed 20 miles per hour, on pathways, but Class-3’s can travel at maximum speed limit on roadways.

3. License: Riders of Class-3 E-bikes must have a valid driver's license or learner's permit.

4. Locations: E-bikes are allowed on roadways, bike lanes, bike paths, and paved trails, but not on sidewalks or natural surface trails unless local jurisdictions permit it. Class-3 E-bikes limited to roadways only.

5. Safety: Riders must comply with federal safety regulations.

6. Violations of these laws can result in a fine of up to TBD. Police or town Select Board may also impound the bicycle of a rider who breaks the law for up to 15 days.

B. Class 3 micro-mobility, scooters, and e-bikes, which I see as mopeds or motorcycles, shall be required to wear a helmet conforming to the specifications for bicycle helmets of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission while operating a Class 3 vehicle.

C. In Massachusetts, motorized bicycles, including e-bikes, must be registered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and have a valid registration sticker. They can be used on any public way, but not on limited access or express state highways where bicycles are prohibited.

Next, I will meet with Mrs. Beth Hallet of the Nantucket Public Schools, NPD's School Resource Officer Cassie Thompson, Amy Vorenberg, Head of School at Nantucket New School, and Emily Miller of The Lighthouse School to help provide an educational bike and etiquette program, as well as a safety course that includes instruction, guidance, and (hopefully) teaching from our local bike shops, who will bring the best (i.e., coolest) and safest bike helmets available on the market. Perhaps the Sheriff’s Department, along with possibly receiving funding from the public or private entities, could cover the cost of the helmets for each member (or as many as possible per year) of the Nantucket School System. We could then create a Bicycling Skills Program composed of on-bike stations that teach children better bike handling skills. Perhaps this could be part of a physical education requirement. This would be for all modes of transportation used by our community youth.

I know that every July, the Siasconset Civic Association hosts a bike and scooter safety day for young children, which is done in cooperation with NPD SRO Cassie Thompson. I have asked her about sharing the bicycling skills outline she has in place.

My/our thought is to educate riders early so it becomes a non-issue. I remember when I first started downhill skiing in the 1970s: no one wore a helmet, and now 98 percent of mountain users wear helmets.

We understand it’s too late to implement this by Summer 2025, but with constructive criticism and deliberation, we put the best article forward. So, if anyone wants to help with the finessing of the article, please contact me at JTopham@nantucket-ma.gov or attend one of the BPAC meetings. Otherwise, I/we humbly ask for your vote of approval at our Annual Town Meeting.

Regards,

Joseph Topham
Nantucket Planning Board Vice-Chair