Pittsfield: No E-Bikes on Sidewalk
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city will place signage downtown to remind people that e-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk.
On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee heard an update about e-bike enforcement in response to a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn.
Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales confirmed that under Massachusetts law, it is illegal for any motorized bicycle, regardless of the class, to ride on the sidewalk.
"So, at this point, we will start installing some signage in the North Street area," he reported.
"Doing so for the whole city is going to be very cumbersome, and we're not going to be doing that, but I think there's something to be done in terms of education and outreach and enforcement citywide for that."
Pittsfield has begun to develop what that signage will look like in the downtown corridor. Amuso has received many complaints about the North Street and Elm Street areas; Morales said they could work to locate some key spots on Elm Street for signage.
"I know it's a citywide problem, but I think if we start on North Street and work our way out and come up with a plan, that would be good," she said.
The councilors petitioned to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids.
Over the last several years, motorised bicycles and scooters have become more popular in use and production. Bird e-scooters were piloted in the city in 2022, and North Street got dedicated bike lanes in 2020.
In Massachusetts, an e-bike with a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a motor of 750 watts or less is classified as a traditional bicycle. State law defines two e-bike classes:
- A Class 1 electric bicycle is defined as having a motor of 750 watts or less that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- And a Class 2 electric bicycle as having a motor of 750 watts or less that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Signage will be funded through the city operating budget. Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi suggested exploring grants to cover the whole city.
"I think a big part of this is even the signage might help parents to start that conversation with kids," she added.
"I shared a story today with somebody that I saw this little guy, like maybe six, just zipping around a busy side street, and it was pretty scary, and I think the kids just don't know because the conversation isn't happening, and that signage will get us there."
Councilor At Large Pete White suggested using the city's electronic signs in high-traffic intersections to remind people not to ride e-bikes on the sidewalk.
Tags: bike,
