Pittsfield Councilors Want Enforcement on E-Bikes
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Two city councilors have asked for better enforcement and communication around irresponsible use of e-bikes and other cycles.
Councilor At Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn submitted a request to increase enforcement of bicycles and e-bikes on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids.
The petition was referred to the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee, Mayor Peter Marchetti, and Police Chief Marc Maddalena.
"The goal is to make Pittsfield's streets, sidewalks, and crossing safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers," the councilors wrote.
Over the last several years, motorised bicycles and scooters have become more popular in use and production. Bird e-scooters piloted in the city in 2022, and North Street got dedicated bike lanes in 2020.
The councilors in their petition wrote that electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters, and other electric devices have expanded "rapidly" in the city. They also cited increased reports of dangerous riding, and other communities' efforts to tighten regulations.
They argued that sidewalk riding is already prohibited [mobility devices are exempt], e-bike riders must follow the rules of the road such as obeying signs and riding with traffic, crosswalks should be walked and not ridden, and helmet use saves lives and is required in Massachusetts for riders 16 and under, though safety advocates stress helmet use for all riders.
Pittsfield has worked to implement safety measures on West Street, which saw two pedestrian fatalities in 2023. New infrastructure includes lighting, sidewalk improvements, and raised crosswalks, Rapid Flashing Beacons at key crosswalks, a traffic signal at the intersection, repaving and adjusted lanes, and bicycle accommodations.
Amuso and Wrinn feel Pittsfield has an opportunity to build on that momentum.
But what qualifies a bike as an e-bike?
Under Massachusetts General Laws, an electric bicycle is a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less, classified as Class 1 (pedal-assist, cuts off at 20 mph) or Class 2 (throttle, cuts off at 20 mph)
E-bikes are excluded from the definition of a motorized bicycle, don't require a license or registration, and have the rights and expectations of bicycle operators, according to MGL. State law prohibits operating e-bikes on sidewalks, requires helmets for riders 16 and under, and bars tampering with or modifying an e-bike to change its motor-powered speed capability.
This conversation is not isolated to Berkshire County.
In May, Governor Maura Healey filed the "Ride Safe Act," which created a statewide safety framework focused on reducing crashes, protecting vulnerable road users, and giving law enforcement clear authority to act, as well as a new system that regulates devices based on speed rather than device type.
Tags: bike,
