Acting Chair Alan Fair is positioning Harwich as the epicenter of cycling on Cape Cod, a vision that dominated the Bikeways Committee’s Tuesday meeting as members grappled with regional trail etiquette and a push for new volunteers. Fair intends to pivot the committee’s focus away from simple infrastructure maintenance and toward establishing the town as a premiere destination for alternative transportation and recreation. If you're a cyclist picking one town to vacation in because you want safe off-road riding, Harwich is the place to go, Fair said, noting that Harwich is the only town on the Cape featuring two dedicated bike paths and a bicycle rotary.

The committee’s leadership underwent a significant transition following the departure of longtime member Fran, who was recognized for nearly a decade of service. Fair will continue as the acting lead for the summer, while the group solidified its internal structure to ensure continuity. Motion Made by Fred to designate Richard as Vice Chair. Motion Passed 5-0. To streamline the administrative burden of recording community meetings, Fred introduced an AI-powered recording device that automatically formats minutes using ChatGPT. Francine praised the technological shift, noting, That's brilliant because I do it for the voter information committee and I'm constantly trying to keep track. Fair intends to notify the town administration of the new appointment of Fred as Acting Secretary to formalize the digital workflow.

Safety and trail etiquette sparked the most spirited debate of the afternoon, particularly regarding a walk on left policy used in Rhode Island. Fair argued aggressively against adopting such a standard for the Old Colony Rail Trail, asserting that walkers facing oncoming cyclists on a two-way path creates dangerous confusion. I don't understand who convinced the folks in Rhode Island to set it up to be walk on the left, ride on the right, Fair said. It is dangerous. It will cause more confusion and it won't make anyone any safer. The committee reached a consensus to maintain the traditional walk on the right standard to ensure consistency for all trail users.

The group is also launching a recruitment drive to fill existing vacancies, with Fair planning to target residents who participate in local cycling events like the upcoming Tour de Barnstable. Fran noted that she is coordinating with the Newcomers Club to spread the word, stating, I do have a contact in newcomers who's responsible and she said she'll get the word out. Beyond personnel, the committee is managing the distribution of approximately 2,000 trail maps and preparing a summer media campaign with the Cape Cod Chronicle. Richard emphasized the need to educate the public on the distinction between local paths and the state-run trail. I learned that our trail is really not part of the Cape Cod bike trail, Richard said. The Old Colony Rail Trail is separate by itself.

Looking ahead, Fair proposed a total overhaul of the town’s cycling brochures for next year to better market Harwich as a regional cycling hub. This effort aligns with a broader desire to update the committee’s official charge, moving it toward a recreation-focused model that serves runners, pedestrians, and children in addition to cyclists. Fair also requested volunteers to serve as bike marshals for the upcoming Memorial Day road race in Dennisport, which will see Harwich paths used as a primary corridor for the event.