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APPROVED MEETING NOTES <br /> LEXINGTON BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br /> Thursday, September 13, 2018, 7 pm Ellen Stone Room, Cary Hall <br /> Members Present: Peggy Enders (Chair), Bob Dangel, Lou Savarino, George <br /> Gagliardi, Kevin Falcone, Joe Pato (Selectman Liaison) <br /> Members Absent: Bob Hausslein, Mike Tabaczynski, Jennifer Melot <br /> Others Present: Sandra Shaw, Paul Callahan, Omar Khudari, Stefan King (Medford), <br /> E-Bikes, LimeBikes and Other Bikeway Issues: Advice to the Board of <br /> Selectmen: <br /> Peggy opened the meeting by saying that the Board of Selectmen has asked the <br /> Committee for advice and recommendations on a number of issues that have <br /> been raised regarding new bicycle technologies and impacts on Lexington and <br /> the bikeway. Kevin summarized complaints that have arisen around the growing <br /> proliferation of abandoned LimeBikes, the growing popularity of a-bikes generally <br /> and questions about whether they should be permitted on the bikeway or other <br /> town trails, and the increasing congestion on the bikeway coupled with <br /> complaints about behavior and speeding. <br /> Joe Pato said that some residents are concerned about the proliferation of <br /> dockless bikes: what are the expectations for returning bikes to their home <br /> territories? If this becomes a problem of abandoned dockless bikes, what might <br /> the town choose to do to address the problem? In terms of electric-assist bikes, <br /> he said, what controls are appropriate? Finally, in terms of behavior on the bike <br /> path, concerns are growing about faster (and sometime dangerous) riding. What <br /> should be done to control that? <br /> Peggy reminded the Committee that Massachusetts General Laws (Chap 90/ <br /> Section 1 B) state that "...Motorized bicycles...shall be excluded from off-street <br /> recreational bike paths." This law has not been updated to reflect the new <br /> electric bicycle technologies and was likely written in the days of gas-powered <br /> bicycles (mopeds). Federal law does a better job, where "low speed electric <br /> bicycles are exempt from classification as motor vehicles providing they have <br /> fully operable pedals...and a top motor-powered speed of less than 20 mph..." <br /> and is thus classified as a "bicycle." <br /> Kevin read a note from Mike Tabaczynski, regarding the NE Mountain Bike <br /> Association (NEMBA) position on e-bikes, where NEMBA has ruled, "no electric <br /> bikes on any trails." Mike went on to say, "As far as our committee... this is an <br />