Nantucket Set The Example For The State In E-Bike Regulations

To the editor: Nantucket, I would like to inform you that we are in the forefront of planning and safety for everyone on the island. When Article 73 on the 2025 warrant was passed, we were out in front of the state and, honestly, the country.

On May 4, 2026, Governor Healey filed "first-in-the-nation" legislation, because of us, to regulate e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds, including minimum age requirements and other safety measures, mirroring Article 73.

The proposed legislation is aimed at reducing crashes, strengthening enforcement, and improving safety for riders, pedestrians, and drivers alike.

• A first-in-the-nation, speed-based framework. For example, lower-speed e-bikes would follow bike lane rules. (We passed 20 mph speed for Nantucket multi-use paths.)
• Clear, enforceable safety standards.
• Riders of higher-speed devices to be at least 16 years old, helmet requirements for specific device categories, including requirements for riders under 16, and mandatory safety equipment such as lights, reflectors, and braking systems to improve visibility and reduce collisions.
• Stronger rules to protect pedestrians and reduce conflicts, including restricting higher-speed devices from sidewalks, bike lanes, and roadways.
• Accountability for higher-speed and modified devices, including restrictions on unsafe modifications.
• Clear enforcement authority for law enforcement, ensuring officers can apply consistent rules and penalties to unsafe behavior across device types.
• Improved the state’s future safety improvements and infrastructure investments. The town, in coordination with BPAC and the DPW, have changed and/or modified bike path signage this week.
• New authority for the Registry of Motor Vehicles to respond quickly to new technologies without waiting for additional legislation.
• The bill reflects the Commission’s recommendations to create a clear, statewide framework while allowing flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving technology.

Again, Nantucket should be proud to be a leader in the Commonwealth and nationally, having helped shape this legislation with the local bylaw changes approved at our previous Town Meetings to set speed limits on bike paths and clarify the classification of these mobility devices.

We owe a special thanks to Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee members; our fearless leader, chair Ian Golding, vice chair, RJ Turcotte, Edwin Claflin, Michel Kremer, John Mynttinen, and Laura Walters, and editor-in-chief, town counselor Brian Riley at KP Law.

While I read as fast as I could at night two of Town Meeting, I was not able to thank everyone because I was only given an allotted time of two minutes, so here is the rest of my list.

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge Mike Burns, the transportation program manager of the Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission. His unwavering dedication, leadership, and expertise provided invaluable guidance to the committee.

Libby Gibson, the town administration operations manager, has been a steadfast supporter of the project since its inception. Her unwavering commitment and assistance have been instrumental in its progress. Select Board members have all played a vital role in securing the necessary votes and support for the project.

Thanks to Planning Board members, Nat Lowell, David Iverson, John Kitchener, and Barry Rector for their collective efforts and expertise. They were very helpful with their guidance.

Planning Director Leslie Snell and Deputy Director Megan Trudel were a critical piece in providing the necessary support. The entire PLUS staff offered administrative support to BPAC.

From the DPW Department, lines and sign foreman Ray Sylvia, for, on very short notice, creating and constructing a mock sign for presentations and a guideline for fabrication.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have emailed me with their insightful suggestions and support. Your contributions helped shape the project’s direction and ensure its success.

Regards,

Joseph Topham,
for the entire Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee