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Riverhead opens public hearing to broaden e-bike rules to allow class 1 and 2 on trails
Summary
Deputy town attorney Danielle Hurley presented a draft change to town code allowing class 1 and class 2 electric-assist bicycles on the Veterans Memorial Trail (20 mph limit); public commenters stressed accessibility for seniors and safety; the hearing was left open for 10 days.
Riverhead officials opened a public hearing June 2 on a proposed amendment to town code chapter 213-11 to include bicycles with electric assist.
Deputy town attorney Danielle Hurley said the draft follows recently updated Suffolk County language and would allow class 1 and class 2 electric-assist bicycles on the Veterans Memorial Trail while capping operation at 20 miles per hour. Hurley said enabling town-level enforcement would allow police to impound violators, permit prosecution in town justice court rather than the district attorney's office, and direct fines to the Town of Riverhead general fund.
Bruce Kagan, chair of the town's Advisory Traffic Committee, spoke as a resident and bicyclist and urged the board to permit class 2 e-bikes because they expand access for older riders and those with limited strength. "Class 2 is more user friendly for those that are not as strong," Kagan said, noting class 1 and 2 both limit the motor to 20 mph in other jurisdictions.
Board members and staff said the draft was revised after work-session discussion to allow both class 1 and 2 on the trail while maintaining the speed cap and limiting e-bike use on higher-speed roads. Officials emphasized ADA accommodations would still apply for mobility needs.
The board left the hearing open for written comment for 10 days.
A future board meeting will include staff recommendations and any technical edits based on public input.
