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Resident Jonathan Duke urges clearer signage, enforcement after bicyclist harassment on Old Bass River
Summary
Resident Jonathan Duke told the Road Safety Task Force an incident this summer left his wife unwilling to bike in Dennis; he asked what the town has done to implement the 'vulnerable road users' sign program and to affirm that cyclists may legally use the roadway. The committee agreed to review the law and revisit signage with DPW.
Resident Jonathan Duke told the Road Safety Task Force during public comment that an incident this summer has discouraged his wife from bicycling in Dennis and that motorists have yelled at cyclists to use the adjacent multi‑use path instead of the roadway.
Duke said the path alongside Setauket and Old Bass River Road is “a multi‑use path… it is not a bike path” and that it is unsafe for cyclists: “There are people pushing strollers… the multi use path is covered with pine needles… it’s not safe to ride on the multi use path.” He asked what the town has done to implement the so‑called vulnerable road users signage and whether any signs have been posted to validate cyclists’ right to use the road.
The committee’s engineering representative, Tom Andre, and police staff said MassDOT offered signage that reminds drivers to leave 4 feet when passing bicyclists, but the task force had not requested those signs previously. Officer Chris Hennigan said law enforcement would become involved for accidents and encouraged documenting harassment incidents: “Always get as much information as you can” and recommended recording plate numbers or taking photos where safe.
Members agreed the task force would research the statutory guidance and consider a public outreach campaign. The chair said the committee will review the law, meet with DPW and the select board as appropriate, and report back to Duke after the group researches options for signage, enforcement and community education.
The task force encouraged Duke and other bicyclists to attend future meetings and, if possible, to supply photographs or other documentation of hazardous locations so staff can use concrete evidence when asking DPW or the select board to act.
