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Residents urge e-bike education, bike rodeos and signage to improve Greenway safety
Summary
Middlebury residents proposed targeted education programs, bike rodeos, signage upgrades and a Parks & Rec e-bike certification to address safety and reduce conflicts between walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Multiple residents at the June 24 meeting urged structured education and community outreach as a near-term response to unsafe riding and harassment on the Greenway.
Beth Lancaster proposed working with the police department and schools, asking whether school resource officers could act as a visible presence to remind riders of trail rules. Jennifer Mahr said Parks & Rec has a grant for e-bike certification education that would allow families to take an online course, receive a certificate and register at the police department.
Fran Barton and others suggested returning to the older model of school “bike rodeos” to inspect bikes and teach rules. Sharon Walsh and other speakers recommended clearer signage and posted passing etiquette at trail entries to standardize expectations for both riders and pedestrians.
Advocates stressed parental involvement and progressive learning for younger riders: Jackson Grabarz, who rides both pedal and e-bikes, described learning from accidents and encouraged stepwise skill-building. Chair Carolanne Browne said the Commission would consider outreach measures and work with the police and Parks & Rec staff on any education rollout.
