A proposal to broaden the scope of the Harwich Bikeways Committee met stiff resistance from the Select Board, leading to what Chair Jim described as a train wreck of a meeting. Jim told the committee on Tuesday that his attempt to rename the group the Bikeways and Pedestrian Committee was abruptly cut off by town leadership during a recent session. They basically said, 'This is not the time and place to propose a change like that,' Jim said, adding that the current charter—focused primarily on maintenance—fails to account for the walkers, runners, and families who utilize town trails. I use the rail trail significantly more often as a runner or as a dad with my children than I do as a cyclist, he noted.

Allan expressed caution regarding the push for expansion, citing the Select Board's recent decision to disband the town’s Golf Committee as a warning of the current administrative climate. I think it would be a good idea if we just stick to our title, Allan said. If we start talking like we want to be involved with pedestrians crossing the street in Harwich Port, we don't really have that purview. I just think we have to be cautious. The committee decided to begin by contacting their Select Board liaison to discuss the matter further before making another formal proposal.

Maintenance concerns are growing along the Old Colony Rail Trail, where temporary repairs made by the Department of Public Works last year are reportedly beginning to fail. Jim reported that while the grinding down of pavement bumps improved the ride initially, deterioration is accelerating near Town Hall. One member observed that the shaved areas are starting to produce crumbs and gravel. In response, Jim plans to contact DPW Director Link Hooper regarding the feasibility of a low-cost $20 fix involving bags of asphalt patch to prevent further damage. Link spoke to us about that. He said that would deteriorate and that he was doing it as a temporary fix, Jim noted. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to accept the minutes as written. Motion Passed (Voice Vote).

Legal obstacles have also grounded a proposed initiative to raise funds for bike helmets and lights. Allan reported that the Town Clerk advised against the committee performing its own fundraising, citing conflict of interest laws and town bylaws that classify committee members as town employees in this context. It doesn't look like that's feasible, Allan said. She also said that we're like employees.

Despite local maintenance hurdles, the committee praised the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for its recent work on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Allan noted that after years without significant attention, the state has now performed repairs for two consecutive years. Hats off to the folks at DCR, he said. However, the committee noted that the Wellfleet section of the trail remains brutal due to severe root heaves. Regarding the Yarmouth rail trail extension, Fran reported that tree clearing has begun on a path expected to take five years to complete. The rail trail extension has started in Yarmouth, Fran said. They've taken down several trees and even have a dirt path out there.

Community Center Director Carolyn Carey visited the committee to promote a Bike Safety Care and Comfort Workshop scheduled for May 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. The free event features Dr. Stephanie Soares, a physical therapist and bike fitting expert. She is a phenomenal resource; she has been fitting bikes and has her own shop, Carey said. She's a physical therapist so she can actually help us to make sure we're fit correctly on the body. It makes a difference with those aches and pains. Jim encouraged attendance, noting that Soares is brave enough to take the wheels off and change the tube right there in front of you.