Harwich Bikeways Committee approves minutes, flags trail liability and e-bike questions

Other Committee · Meeting of March 17, 2026

Harwich Bikeways Committee flags e-bike rules and Old Colony Rail Trail ownership as summer issues. The committee met March 17 with five members present, approving only its January minutes in the lone formal vote of the evening. Chair Fran reported that Massachusetts has formed a micro-mobility commission expected to issue rules on e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices by summer, with a Friends of the Cape Cod Rail Trail virtual meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss the topic.

Member Alan raised the question of whether Harwich should transfer oversight of the town-owned Old Colony Rail Trail to the state DCR, citing maintenance costs and liability exposure if a rider were injured — "who am I suing, Harwich or the state?" — and volunteered to research the trail's ownership history for a future report. The committee also noted the Select Board has voted to take easements for a Safe Routes to Schools project on Main Street and South Street, which will eventually include signage directing users from the Old Colony Rail Trail toward Bank Street Beach.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 905 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of March 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.