The Trails Committee at its meeting Wednesday heard proposals for new trails at Cameron Woods and improvements to the Lake Maspenock Causeway Trail.

Member David Freed presented a plan for two trails at Cameron Woods and the Hopkinton Town Forest. They would be adjacent to the subdivision at Whisper Way and located entirely on town-owned land. One would replace a trail that was demolished when the development was built, he explained.

These proposed trails were envisioned by Freed, Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC) member Steve Levandosky, John Ritz and Laura Zimmer. The foursome mapped and flagged the potential area for these trails already, according to Freed.

Because of the 150-foot elevation at the eastern end of the property, Freed said the trails would provide a challenging, hilly climb with a picturesque view of the area. They would complement the trails on the western side and increase connectivity. He also said it would be a great area for downhill cross-country skiing.

Added Freed: “It’s actually one of the largest climbs vertically that you’ll see in town.”

The work involved would be minimal, Freed said, but some trees would need to be removed.

Chair Peter LaGoy noted that this would involve work in the buffer zone, which would require approval by the Conservation Commission.

While vice chair Scott Knous said the idea “definitely has purpose,” he suggested that it be put on the list of projects the committee is working to prioritize. He also encouraged volunteers to “rally around” projects the committee previously discussed.

Clerk Linda Chuss expressed a safety concern about trails without signage, including temporary trails. She noted that people can become lost and frustrated, discouraging them from future trail use.

Maspenock Trail improvements discussed

Chuss and member Jane Moran told the committee about how they recently walked the Lake Maspenock Causeway Trail at West Main Street after a resident pointed out safety concerns. She said the area is now “completely overgrown” with weeds, debris and shrub trees.

The clerk advocated for clearing the area, noting that people walk and fish there. This would allow people from South Street to access the Deneen Conservation Area, while Oakhurst Road residents could connect to Sandy Beach.

Member Jack Buckley suggested that the town consider putting a sidewalk there that would connect to Price Chopper.

Said Moran: “I think attention on the west side of Hopkinton is imperative.”

She suggested starting with a trail there and encouraging the town to consider a sidewalk.

Knous said the committee should raise the issue of safety there with the Select Board and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus.

E-bikes on trails debated

Buckley noted that he nearly was struck by an e-bike going an estimated 25 mph on the Center Trail the previous day.

“He swerved and just kept going up to the high school,” he said.

Buckley added that people who live adjacent to the trails may become less enthusiastic about using them if e-bikes are seen as a safety issue.

Chuss noted that OSPC chair Ed Harrow showed pictures of damage to trails in town at the previous Select Board meeting. He also mentioned that e-bikes are banned on Montana trails and suggested that Hopkinton consider doing likewise.

Buckley said Wellesley’s policy is that e-bikes should follow the same guidelines as bicycles under state law. They can be operated on public roads, in bike lanes and on shared-use paved paths, according to the Town of Wellesley’s website.

Added Buckley: “It seems to me, in this case, this is a job for the Hopkinton Police Department.”

LaGoy stressed that this issue is greater than the Trails Committee’s scope and requires town and police involvement. Members discussed contacting the Select Board to request that HPD tackle e-bike policy and its enforcement. LaGoy said he would draft a letter that would be voted on at the next meeting.

Knous stressed that he believed that e-bikes should not be allowed on the Center Trail given its widespread usage and historic role in town. Several members disagreed.

“I’m very passionate about the safety of our trail users,” Knous continued. “We’ll get not only a bad reputation, but abutters are going to start talking to other abutters. It’s going to be detrimental.”

LaGoy suggested that a speed limit be imposed of 10 mph for e-bikes on trails.

Ad hoc groups created

The committee created three ad hoc action groups under which its projects could be categorized. They included one for physical trail development, another for public outreach and a third for broader trail issues such as the development of the Upper Charles Trail and a town trail master plan.

Debate ensued as to whether they should be formalized as subcommittees. Treasurer Sean Kimball suggested that they work as ad hoc groups for two meetings because there would be less formality than subcommittees.

Chuss noted that subcommittees would need to post agendas so they would not violate Open Meeting Law. She said she did not want the ad hoc groups to appear to be a way to subvert Open Meeting Law protocols.

The committee approved creating these action groups on a trial basis for two months in a 7-0 vote.

Contact page proposed for trail triage

Chuss, Knous and member Andy Proos proposed setting up a contact page for people to report issues on trails using a town email address. The three agreed to rotate who would address the queries and direct them to the appropriate entity, such as the Department of Public Works or the Hopkinton Area Land Trust. Chuss said it was important for the community to have “a sounding board” where their issues could be addressed relatively swiftly.

Moran stressed that part of the committee’s charge is to maintain communication and increase public awareness, which she asserted that this project does.

This initiative was approved in an 8-0 vote.