Farmington explores e-bike rules, sidewalk safety, and small-but-visible fixes as Oct. 1 state laws arrive 🚲
The town’s bicycle and pedestrian committee opened its latest meeting at 7:01 p.m. with a direct assignment from Town Hall: recommend local rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility on trails and sidewalks. State operation laws take effect October 1; more changes are anticipated in early 2026. The goal, several members said, is to get ahead of the curve with a local framework that can scale regionally.
What might that look like?
- Speed on trails: A commonly discussed cap is 15 mph. Members noted the difference between an ordinance (enforceable, ticketable) and a local rule (guidance). The committee acknowledged the reality: police won’t run radar on the greenway. “It’s the threat of enforcement, not the constant presence,” one member said.
- Sidewalks: A lower speed (e.g., 10 mph) is on the table. The committee discussed the option—if things “get out of control”—to restrict certain electric devices from sidewalks entirely, while recognizing that Farmington’s state routes make safe alternatives necessary for younger riders.
- Uniformity: Because the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail crosses multiple towns, members urged regional harmony to avoid a patchwork of rules. A white paper emerging from Bike Walk Connecticut—with Amy Watkins of Watch for Me Connecticut involved—was flagged as a useful baseline.
What’s changed already
- State operation laws for e-bikes take effect Oct. 1.
- Local models: The Avon Police Department recently circulated a basic guidance letter (not an ordinance). In New Britain and under consideration in Hartford, unlawful gas-powered bikes and ATVs can be impounded—a level of enforcement several Farmington members said is beyond the town’s immediate needs.
Education and etiquette, not just tickets
The committee pushed for education: helmets for kids, bells, right-of-way, passing etiquette, and “slow down when it’s busy” common sense. Members contrasted a quiet 6 a.m. commute with a Saturday trail packed with skaters, dog walkers, and families. Several urged school-based safety: if children learn rules early, the trail behaves better.
Who’s driving the policy sprint
The Town Manager’s office and Town Council asked the committee to draft guidance that could inform an ordinance and coordination with neighboring towns. Members discussed forming a subcommittee and endorsed aligning with statewide bodies: Bike Walk Connecticut, the Connecticut Greenways Council (chaired by Bruce), and the state Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board (chaired by Sandy Fry). The committee wants Farmington to lead, not trail behind.
Next steps and dates
- Members tentatively penciled a working session for Tuesday the 16th at 3:00 p.m. to keep momentum, with flexibility for earlier availability.
- A request went out to circulate Avon’s materials and other town examples by Friday so members could review over the weekend and submit written ideas ahead of the session.
- Coordination conversations with Watch for Me Connecticut and Bike Walk Connecticut are already in motion.
Small projects with outsized public impact 🛠️
Alongside the ordinance work, the committee is assembling a list of quick-hit DPW projects to chip away at through the year:
- Bollard maintenance: Repaint in high-visibility color and add 3-inch reflective bands; review sites with double or triple bollards and consider saw-cutting down to a single center post where appropriate. Members flagged Unionville, River Road, and segments near Oak Ridge and Country Club for review.
- Missing bollards check: A rider reported stretches near Oak Ridge where bollards appeared absent; staff will verify.
- Wayfinding to the Highlands: Resurrect the mapped plan (originally presented by Doug Gerlach) for simple plaques/arrows that guide riders from the trail to schools, the library, and Town Hall—especially useful in snow or leaf season.
- Water fountain signage: The new trail fountain needs a sign; installation paused due to utility work but parts are ready.
- Unionville coffee spur: Consider a small fence opening for direct trail access to the café cluster.
- Meadow Road dips: Repair small depressions along the flood-prone flats; log potholes that remain.
- Bike rack review: Standardize on durable loop racks—the high school racks are already full at morning bell. The Farmington Library (director Jocelyn) is eyeing replacement to match campus racks, joining Town Hall upgrades.
Traffic calming and pilots
Members cited West Hartford’s use of speed tables and bump-outs, as well as new speed tables on the Canal Trail in New Haven and Hamden. Also on the menu: pop-up bike lanes using cones and paint to test designs and collect data before investing in permanent separators.
Schools: curriculum and fleets
- The district has an existing bicycle curriculum, but it’s dated. The committee will forward Safe Routes to School samples to the curriculum office via Bridget, with James helping liaison to the Board of Education.
- Dan Zatoun, assistant superintendent for finance/operations, is supportive; timing and integration will be shaped by overall curriculum constraints.
- Noah Wallace piloted an on-bike unit using a small fleet purchased with PTO funds; other fleets exist at Winding Trails and elsewhere. A planned $5,000 DOT micro-grant cycle (helmet fittings, bells, etc.) is expected to return, alongside community connectivity grants.
- Bike Walk Farmington will host “Your Bicycle, Yourself” at the Farmington Library on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6–7 p.m., with hands-on demos after, helmet checks, and a talk by Amy Watkins on e-bike decision-making for families.
RFP and maps
- The Recreational Trails design RFP has no update yet; fall may be favorable for consultant bids.
- The Farmington Valley Trails Council is printing updated maps; members flagged Depot Place (parking status) for a label check.
Personnel note
Dylan announced he’s leaving Farmington for a similar role in West Hartford after Tuesday. Kathy Greeter is retired but assisting during transition. Paul Melanson, the town’s new police chief and director of public safety, previously led Avon PD and is a cyclist; Officer Glaude continues training work. Members asked Dylan to share West Hartford best practices back to the group.
Helmets, etiquette, and the big stick ⚖️
The committee returned to first principles: helmets for kids, bells and audible passing, and “ride to conditions.” The 15 mph trail cap is a tool; so is a patrol car parked near a busy crossing. The law is the backbone. Education is the muscle.
Sponsor Note (with affection and a raised eyebrow)
This coverage is brought to you by Farmington Storage — 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT; 860-777-4001. Need to stash your racing bike, your hockey gear, or your vinyl copy of Tour de France? Our friends claim to be the only facility in Connecticut with “Museum Air.” Is that a thing? According to them, yes. According to your sweat-drenched helmet, also yes. Climate-controlled, friendly, and they’ll even laugh at your “one last ride” joke. Again.
About the Author
— Jack Beckett, senior writer, currently caffeinated to city-council-grade levels ☕️. If you’ve got trail etiquette stories or speed-table near-misses, send them our way. We’ll bring the measuring tape and a thermos.
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This article, “Farmington Eyes E-Bike Rules: 15 mph on Trails, Lower on Sidewalks; School Safety Push and Small Fixes Ahead,” by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“Farmington Eyes E-Bike Rules: 15 mph on Trails, Lower on Sidewalks; School Safety Push and Small Fixes Ahead”
by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
