Committee and residents push to add 'micromobility' to bikeways charge amid safety concerns

Members of the Transportation Bikeways Advisory Committee and members of the public asked the Select Board to add the term "micromobility" to the committee charge so the panel can explicitly consider e-bikes, scooters and other small electric devices. Joel Porton, a committee member, told the board: "The biggest growth and change in transportation is micro mobility." He urged the charge to reflect that the committee will need to consider a range of new devices and state legislation now moving through the legislature.

Staff and board members debated whether adding a single, specific line is necessary or whether existing safety and cyclist/pedestrian language gives the committee scope to cover micromobility. A staff member said the draft "did not put a specific line about ebikes here" but that micromobility topics could be covered under general safety and brought to the committee as issues arise. The board signaled it is willing to integrate the language where it helps clarify committee responsibilities without over-prescribing future technical standards.