BPAC members reviewed a proposed bylaw amendment intended to standardize passing etiquette and establish rules for electric-bike classes, and supported further development of educational outreach including signage and a short informational video.

Committee member Joe (last name not specified in transcript) reported a meeting with Town Counsel Brian Riley and said counsel proposed minor edits but did not flag major legal obstacles. Joe described the draft rules as guidance to improve safety and etiquette, not a primary enforcement vehicle: "I'm not looking for everyone to get a ticket... verbal warning, it started first, and if it's someone who's a habitual offender, then I guess there could be a ticket." He also said the committee plans to create Nantucket-branded signs and produce an informational video for schools, shuttle buses and social media.

Members asked for clearer wording where the draft used a "5 miles an hour" passing metric. Joe said he had revised that language to reference "slow down at a safe pace" to address walkers and joggers and had circulated the draft for feedback. "So that I've changed where because when I was writing it, I was thinking of walkers, but there's joggers with Tetris, so we've revised that to slow down at a pace," he said.

Town Manager Libby Gibson was reported to be supportive of a short video and outreach campaign to bring the etiquette guidance to visitors and residents. Committee members discussed where bikes are permitted on sidewalks vs. roads and noted existing prohibitions in central business districts.

Next steps: Joe will circulate the town-counsel–edited draft to staff and the committee once those edits are complete. The committee also asked staff to explore signage options and to provide a cost estimate for a short informational video; Joe said he had contacted a production company for estimates and would coordinate with Mike Burns on sign design and distribution.

Why it matters: the proposal seeks to reduce conflicts between bicyclists, joggers, and pedestrians on shared routes and to clarify expectations for e-bike riders and visitors unfamiliar with local patterns. Committee members emphasized education and signage rather than broad enforcement.