Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Town’s e-bike bylaw limited in scope versus proposed Ride Safe Act

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Whether the town will have to revisit its recently approved bylaw about e-bike speeds remains to be seen as new legislation makes its way through the Massachusetts Senate.

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation at the beginning of the month intended to “strengthen public safety and regulate micromobility devices” such as e-bikes, mopeds and scooters. Dubbed the Ride Safe Act, it builds on recommendations from a commission established under the governor’s Mass Leads Act. In a press release, the governor’s office stated that the legislation “responds directly to growing safety concerns on Massachusetts roads, sidewalks and bike lanes.”

If approved, the Ride Safe Act would apply a speed-based framework for all identified transportation devices. It also would set in place safety standards, rules about where devices can operate and greater accountability and enforcement, among other provisions.

Language in the legislation around where mobility vehicles an operate may impact Hopkinton’s recently approved bylaw on e-bike speeds. However, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus noted the bylaw is limited in its scope.

“[It] only allows the Trails Committee to establish a 10 mph speed limit on shared use paths following a public hearing,” Lazarus explained in an email. “It wasn’t designed to regulate the use or safety of electric bicycles in any other way.” She added that the speed limit would apply to every mobility device, regardless of whether it is motorized or not.

Voters passed the bylaw at Annual Town Meeting on May 2 in a 93-34 vote. Proponents of the speed limit have argued it would encourage safety on the the town’s shared use paths and set clear expectations for riders. Others have raised concerns over how enforceable the speed limit would be. Enforcement would be managed by the Hopkinton Police Department, and Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten previously noted it would be a challenge unless officers were specifically assigned to trail enforcement.

Lazarus said the proposed legislation would tackle some of the concerns over enforcement and governing e-bike use overall. She also shared that the bill’s definition of shared paths is similar to Hopkinton’s new bylaw.

In addition, she provided insight into the process of adjusting the bylaw depending on the outcome of the state legislative process. “Any bylaw changes would need to be voted at Town Meeting,” Lazarus stated.

“It’s not unusual to have to modify local bylaws as state and federal laws change over time,” she added.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Schematic design revisions approved by the Permanent Building Committee on Tuesday for the Center School reuse project would cut at least $1.2 million from its proposed $16.8 million estimate.

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday revised and approved a draft policy for allowing certain user groups to use the Fruit Street pickleball courts for fundraisers and tournaments.

This week’s Police Log features three arrests, along with reports of someone smashing glass near a mailbox, missing chickens and ducks, and an individual ripping down a neighbor’s outdoor light.

Dennis Bucceri, 83, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away April 20.

Town meetings tonight include the Charter Review Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Three dogs sit patiently during Saturday’s Hopkinton Police Fishing Derby at the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association off Lumber Street.

PHOTO/HOPKINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT