Sudbury police outline rail‑trail safety strategy, emphasize e‑bike rules and rapid response tools

Lt. John Perodeau of the Sudbury Police Department told the Rail Trails Advisory Committee on Jan. 7 that the department is preparing staff and equipment to respond to injuries and safety issues that will arise when the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Mass Central Rail Trail see heavier use.

Perodeau, the commanding officer of the patrol division and head of public outreach, said the department has acquired three drones (two Mavic Pros and a mini equipped with infrared cameras) to help locate missing or injured people in remote trail areas and that the state police can provide helicopter support within 15–20 minutes if necessary. "E‑bikes are excellent for rapid access and are the primary tool for rail trail related police activity," he said, referring to SPD’s on‑trail e‑bikes and an incoming e‑dirt bike intended to reach dirt surfaces.

The lieutenant outlined the department’s primary concerns: cyclists not stopping at intersections, the Route 20 crossing on the MCRT (which has not yet been completed), speeding vehicles at the Route 117 BFRT crossing, and intersections made hazardous by limited sight distances. He added that higher‑powered e‑dirt bikes and off‑road dirt bikes — which can exceed 20 mph and may be subject to registration and licensing — have caused turf damage at town fields and present enforcement challenges.

Perodeau summarized the current statutory framework from the 2022 Massachusetts transportation legislation. He said class 1 and 2 e‑bikes are treated as bicycles under state law, but "if a 'bike' can go over 20 MPH and doesn't require pedal power, a license is required and it cannot be used off‑road," and that mopeds, which may reach about 30 MPH, must be registered and operated by licensed riders. Helmet requirements apply to riders under age 17.

SPD emphasized a preference for education over strict enforcement where possible. The department plans community outreach and giveaways — helmets, high‑visibility backpacks, and seasonal bike lights and reflectors — and intends to partner with schools and Park & Recreation for youth safety programs. Committee members suggested adding bicycle bells or horns to giveaway items and targeting family‑oriented education so adults model safe behavior for children.

Perodeau also warned about response times and locating injured trail users: 911 provides an area location but not precise trail coordinates in rural stretches. He recommended more consistent mile‑markers or other trail location signage to help callers report their position. The committee discussed temporary staffing or visibility booths at smaller intersections and trial signage similar to that used in neighboring communities.

The presentation closed with a reminder that SPD receives roughly three off‑road incident calls per month (bicycle falls, pedestrian injuries, hunting accidents) and that grant funding has supported some of the department’s recent purchases and outreach efforts.

The committee expressed appreciation for the briefing and discussed next steps for education, signage, and coordination as trail openings progress.