The Harwich Bikeways Committee is moving into a formal period of observation following reports of high-powered motorized vehicles and reckless behavior by teenage riders on the town’s rail trails. During its July meeting, the committee discussed a growing trend of "rebels without a cause" using heavy-duty electric vehicles—often lacking functional pedals—to spin wheels and kick up sand on the trail surfaces. Chair Fred Rice noted that while the police have been notified, the mobility of the riders makes enforcement difficult, prompting the committee to align its recommendations with upcoming state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) standards.

The committee expressed concern that these vehicles, which often exceed 18 miles per hour, are effectively mopeds rather than traditional e-bikes. There's a group of teenagers spinning their wheels, kicking dirt, and being rude to people walking, Rice said, adding that the DCR is currently reviewing whether to limit trail access strictly to Class 1 e-bikes. Such a move would be controversial, as it might exclude Class 2 throttle-controlled bikes frequently used by families and older riders with health conditions. C. Muckley observed that the issue seems localized, noting, I rode from Harwich to Chatham and only saw it in Harwich. I wonder why. Rice suggested the proximity of the schools and Thompson’s Field might be a factor. Motion Made by F. Rice to enter a period of observation regarding e-bikes and draft a letter to the Select Board stating the committee is monitoring the situation in conjunction with DCR and Chatham. Motion Passed (4-0).

Beyond motorized vehicle concerns, the committee reviewed the general physical state of the trails following recent heavy rains. While conditions were described as generally good, members identified specific areas where foliage is encroaching on the path. P. Gazaille suggested that maintenance crews could also chop off the bushes when you get to an intersection so you can see better, though Rice noted that much of the overgrowth occurs where the trail abuts private property. The committee also briefly touched on minor graffiti incidents involving chalk near the roundabout, which members characterized as harmless.

The meeting marked the start of the new fiscal year, requiring a standard leadership review. The committee opted for continuity, with Fred Rice remaining as Chair. F. McClennen raised the question of jurisdictional authority over the trail rules, asking, Is it incumbent on us to determine the rules for Harwich, or are we under the umbrella of the State? Rice clarified that while the DCR manages the Cape Cod Rail Trail, the Select Board sets the rules for the Old Colony Rail Trail based on the committee's recommendations. Earlier in the session, the committee also handled administrative gaps. Motion Made by C. Muckley to accept the meeting minutes from two months prior. Motion Passed (4-0). In the absence of a secretary, P. Gazaille stepped in to take handwritten notes, jokingly requesting pencil and paper, please to fulfill the role.

Infrastructure updates included news on the Yarmouth trail extension, which involves a new bridge over Station Avenue. Rice noted that while former Governor Baker championed a continuous trail to the canal, the project remains fragmented due to the high cost of bridges over active railroad lines in Sandwich and Bourne. Locally, the committee is facing a minor procurement hurdle for trail maps. The previous printer, Sir Speedy in Orleans, has closed, and the committee is searching for a high-resolution digital file to send to a new vendor. Additionally, Rice plans to purchase at least three new plastic map distribution boxes for roughly $20 to replace damaged units at the Rotary and the church on Route 124. P. Gazaille noted the urgency of the replacement, reporting that the one at the church is cracked and recently contained only a single crushed map.