This article is enacted in accordance with MGL c. 40, § 22, to promote public safety by establishing certain rules and regulations concerning the use of the Town's roadways by bicycles and motor vehicles.
[Adopted 6-5-2021 ATM by Art. 76, approved 10-7-2021]
[Amended 5-3-2025 ATM by Art. 73, approved 12-10-2025]
A.
At any location at which a multi-use/shared path intersects with or is crossed by a public or private way or driveway with the exception of major intersections to be determined by the Town of Nantucket, bicyclists, pedestrians and other users of the paths shall have the right of way, and any person operating a motor vehicle shall stop and yield to such bicyclist, pedestrian or other user.
B.
At any location at which a multi-use/shared path intersects with or is crossed by a public or private way with the exception of major intersections to be determined by the Town of Nantucket, the Town shall install informative path-crossing signs and separate stop signs facing the motor vehicle approach to the intersection so that drivers of motor vehicles are warned to use all caution necessary and to yield the right of way to any bicyclist, pedestrians or other users of the path.
For the purposes of paragraphs A and B in § 57-14, a major intersection shall be considered to be the intersection between a main road, e.g., the Milestone Road, or secondary road that bears as much vehicular traffic as a main road, and a multi-use path. |
C.
The speed limit of bicycle, e-bike, or any device being operated on multi-use/shared use paths/walkway paths, shall not exceed 20 mph. When a user of such a device is within 10 feet of a pedestrian or other cyclist, the rider shall reduce speed and pass with caution and not in excess of five mph more than the pedestrian.
D.
Before overtaking a pedestrian or cyclist from behind, a rider shall signal their presence by voice, bell, or bike horn to alert the pedestrian or cyclist.
E. CLASS 1: PEDAL ASSIST CLASS 2: THROTTLE ON DEMAND CLASS 3: SPEED PEDELEC E-CARGO BIKES ELECTRIC BICYCLE
Definitions.
An electric bicycle or tricycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
An electric bicycle or tricycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
The electric drive system on the e-bike is activated by pedaling which ceases to provide assistance once the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
Motorized bikes, which can come in any class listed above, that are designed to carry heavy loads, including additional people, or goods.
A bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less that meets the requirements of a class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle.
The provisions of this bylaw are severable. If any provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this bylaw or the application thereof shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or application of this bylaw.