One notable issue addressed was the presence of children riding e-bikes in the park’s parking lot, sparking a debate about safety and regulation. The committee shared concerns from community members about the hazards posed by e-bikes, particularly their high speeds—up to 32 mph—and the lack of helmet usage among young riders. An anecdote shared by a participant illustrated these concerns, recounting a young rider’s challenge for a race, which was declined due to safety worries.

The discussion revealed a growing community apprehension regarding e-bike safety, as highlighted by a Facebook post expressing similar worries. In response, the committee considered regulatory measures, including a potential ban on e-bikes in certain park areas. Chadlair, a park commissioner, was noted as contemplating this ban, though he could not attend the meeting due to a personal matter. Despite acknowledging Chadlair’s proposal, committee members expressed skepticism about the practicality and enforcement of such a ban.

Further complicating the issue were concerns over the current state of road markings in the parking lot, which were deemed inadequate. Members suggested approaching the Department of Public Works (DPW) to request the repainting of lines to better delineate safe zones for pedestrians and cyclists. If the DPW could not fulfill this request, the committee considered seeking assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to implement these changes.

The conversation also touched on additional safety measures proposed by Chadlair, such as installing bike stands and placing warning signs at park entrances. However, there were doubts about the effectiveness of advising parents to prevent their children from riding e-bikes in the park, with concerns about the enforceability of such recommendations.

Another topic of importance was the Safe Routes to School initiative, which aims to enhance safety for children commuting to school. Feedback from Angela, a school representative, suggested that relocating activities to the back fields rather than public roads could improve safety and encourage parental involvement. Colleen, associated with the Safe Routes to School program, was recognized for her supportive role and her efforts in conducting safety classes in schools.

Additionally, the committee discussed broader bicycle safety issues, with participants voicing concerns over the dangers of cycling on local roads. One member remarked on the inherent risks of road biking, regardless of the type of bicycle, citing incidents involving unexpected animal crossings as potential causes of accidents. This led to a call for improved safety signage, particularly the absence of specific “4T signs” meant to alert cyclists and motorists to potential hazards.

The meeting also touched on upcoming community events, highlighting Bike Month activities in May. One notable event involves a train trip to Boston, where participants will learn about urban cycling infrastructure. This aligns with the committee’s interest in promoting safer and more accessible cycling options in rural areas like Acushnet, drawing comparisons to more developed urban bike lanes in places like Cambridge.

An annual summit for the South Coast Bikeway, scheduled for May 13th, was also announced. The event, featuring Trish Carter as a key speaker, aims to foster cycling advocacy and community engagement. However, the committee acknowledged a need for better communication about such events, as some members appeared unaware of the summit’s details.

Finally, the committee addressed logistical planning for future meetings, agreeing on dates for the upcoming months. Recognizing potential attendance issues due to summer vacations, the committee decided to skip a July meeting and reconvene on August 14th. There was also a brief discussion regarding the completion of the committee’s membership, emphasizing the responsibilities and time commitments involved.