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Members question regulating ebikes but not regular bicycles; some call for separate bike code
Summary
Several committee members said the town lacks a bicycle code and urged the committee to consider adding a simple bicycle ordinance or folding basic bicycle rules into the ebike draft to avoid disparate treatment.
During the July 27 discussion, multiple committee members raised concerns that the draft focuses on ebikes and e‑scooters while leaving regular bicycles unaddressed in town code.
One committee member asked, "Why are we regulating speed for ebikes but not for regular bikes?" and highlighted a practical fairness concern: a heavier ebike at the same speed may cause more harm than a lighter bicycle. Members noted that neighboring municipalities with ebike rules often already had a preexisting bicycle code the subcommittee could adapt.
Some members suggested drafting a short bicycle code with basic definitions (sidewalk operation, speeds, and use of bike paths) so the ebike/e‑scooter ordinance can reference existing bicycle rules rather than attempting to cover both from scratch. Chair William Chapman and others agreed the bicycle code could be developed in parallel but that it should not delay producing the ebike/e‑scooter consolidated draft for August.
