Portsmouth council votes to advertise creation of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The Portsmouth Town Council voted 7-0 to authorize advertising for applicants to a seven-member Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, following presentations from town staff and residents about roadway safety and coordination with neighboring towns.

Town planner Miss Hitching told the council she and Town Administrator Rich Rainer had worked with residents who drafted a memo and a high-level resolution establishing the committee. The proposal lists the committee’s purpose as advising the council on walking and biking policies, providing a forum for residents and schools, promoting safety education, identifying funding opportunities, and providing input on the annual State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Hannah Turner, speaking for potential committee members, described monthly meetings held by advocates and said Portsmouth is the only island town without such a committee; she argued a committee would help coordinate policy with Middletown and Newport on issues such as e-bikes and low-speed vehicles. Turner said the group has been meeting remotely and would work with the planner to advance a bicycle and pedestrian master plan and other safety measures.

Residents raised location-specific safety concerns during public comment. Mike DePaola told the council of steep Sandy Point Road conditions where pedestrians and children travel to the beach and expressed worry about curb cuts and retaining walls that force people into the roadway. Tom Grebe, a member of the Harbor Commission, said larger initial participation can be helpful for tasks such as looking at rights of way but acknowledged quorum and manageability concerns.

Council members asked about committee size and structure. The draft calls for seven appointed members who must be Portsmouth residents, with the expectation that the committee will draft its own bylaws after appointment. Council discussion noted a balance between broad participation and avoiding an unwieldy membership that hampers quorum. The council directed staff to advertise openings with a proposed application deadline of Oct. 7 (three weeks from the discussion), and to return appointments to the council in a future meeting.

The motion to advertise and form the committee passed unanimously, 7 to 0.

The committee, if formed as drafted, would be an advisory body subject to the open meetings law and would report to the Town Council; its responsibilities would include working with state and regional partners on corridor and sidewalk projects, and helping identify grant opportunities.

Council President Hamilton opened the item and oversaw the vote. Staff said the committee would follow standard procedures for town advisory bodies and that appointed members would draft bylaws for subsequent council review.