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The Marblehead Traffic Safety Advisory Committee agreed Monday to prioritize education over enforcement in addressing growing safety concerns about electric bicycles, as new data revealed seven e-bike crashes in town between 2020 and 2024.
Committee Chair Gary Hebert presented crash statistics during the Sept. 15 meeting, showing incidents involving young riders and visibility issues at intersections. The crashes included a 2020 collision with a 9-year-old e-bike operator on Londonderry Road and a 2023 incident where an e-bike rider “wearing all black without lights or reflectors” was struck in the middle of Pleasant Street, according to committee presentation materials.
“It’s not so much policing, that is not going to be the way to fix it, right?” Police Chief Dennis King has said. “It’s parents buying their kids $1,500, $2,000 e-bikes. If you do, have conversations around them about using them safely.”
Hebert’s presentation outlined the regulatory landscape facing the committee. Under Massachusetts law, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes with motors up to 750 watts that assist up to 20 mph are legal for riders of any age without requiring a driver’s license. Riders under 17 must wear helmets, and e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks statewide.
However, the law does not define Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, leaving a regulatory gap. The presentation materials noted that in Massachusetts, Class 3 e-bikes “are undefined and treated as vehicles requiring registration and a drivers license.”
The committee discussed enforcement challenges, particularly given the lack of registration requirements for e-bikes. King noted that many young riders do wear helmets compared to other communities, but speed remains a primary safety concern.
King emphasized pursuing education over strict enforcement, noting staffing limitations and the state’s approach to bicycle regulations.
“I think that education type campaign on bike safety, but specifically bike safety right now is a good idea,” King said. He plans to work with the school resource officer to communicate with principals about bike regulations, particularly at the middle school where he noted about 20 e-bikes are regularly parked at the entrance.
Committee member Rick Smyers volunteered to help organize educational efforts.
“I wholeheartedly support the idea of education, especially as King said, that this is a particular area where the kids are … (riding bikes) beyond their capabilities, ” Smyers said.
Committee member David Kucharsky offered to research materials from other communities and reach out to MassBike for existing resources. He also mentioned Salem’s experience creating educational flyers for residents regarding proper etiquette for biking, walking and driving.
The presentation materials showed that Massachusetts launched a rebate program offering vouchers of up to $1,200 for low and moderate income earners plus $150 for safety gear. State legislation pending in the 2023-2025 session could address regulatory gaps, including Senate Bill S.2373 and House Bill H.3758, which would define Class 3 e-bikes, and S.2347, which would create a task force to improve enforcement.
Hebert clarified during the meeting that the Marblehead Rail Trail, with its improved crushed stone surface, currently permits e-bikes and e-scooters under state law. The committee discussed potential speed restrictions but noted enforcement challenges on trails.
Local resident Dan Tucker, who bought a Class 1 e-bike with a state voucher, cautioned against blaming crashes on e-bikes.
“Don’t necessarily blame e-bikes, as the committee (or the reporting?) appears to be doing,” he said. “What is the comparable data on traditional bicycles?“
He cited the “utter absence of cycling infrastructure” as a key safety issue. Calling his e-bike “transformative,” Tucker said it lets him complete most commutes and errands in the same time as driving while improving his fitness.
Tucker urged low-cost fixes such as painted bike lanes on West Shore Drive, Lafayette Street, and Atlantic Avenue, and called bike parking “the biggest impediment to cycling.”
“The biggest impediment to cycling isn’t the riding, it’s where to lock my bike when I get there. This is the most common problem, not just in Marblehead,” he said. He suggested spaces at Crosby’s and Village Plaza and noted a town grant for racks may be at risk due to the 3A freeze.
He praised the draft Marblehead cycling plan as “quite good in the long term—if it’s implemented” but pressed for immediate steps.
“Perfect does not need to be the enemy of action,” he said. He also called for education programs for drivers and pedestrians, not just cyclists.
The committee postponed any formal recommendations to the Select Board, with Herbert stating he wanted all committee members present for votes on e-bike recommendations, particularly Department of Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh.
“I’d like to have everybody in the committee here before we make any recommendations to the Select Board about what might be considered for E bike regulations or things like that,” Herbert said.
The committee also conducted its annual reorganization, electing Smyers as the new chair and King as secretary for the term ending June 30, 2026. Herbert stepped down as chair but will remain on the committee.
Town Engineer Maggie Wheeler reported that the department is evaluating bike shoulder line painting opportunities on major roads including Humphrey, Atlantic, West Shore Drive, Pleasant and Lafayette streets, with some work potentially happening in fall and spring.
The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20.
