Madison Launches 'Scoops And Safety' Initiative

MADISON, CT — The Madison Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Madison Police Department have launched a summer initiative that will reward cyclists and pedestrians observed following traffic laws, Patch has learned.

The program, called "Scoops and Safety," provides Madison police officers with Ashley’s Ice Cream gift cards funded by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Officers may distribute the gift cards to cyclists and pedestrians who demonstrate safe behavior, including following traffic regulations.

"Our goal is to foster a culture of mutual respect and safety on our roads," said Jessica Joseff, a member of Madison’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, in a statement to Patch. "By rewarding positive behavior, we hope to engage with our residents, especially our younger community members, about the importance of following the rules of the road. We want everyone to enjoy the benefits of biking and walking while staying safe in our beautiful town."

Officials also reminded residents of state laws governing bicycles, scooters and electric bicycles.

Under Connecticut law, all riders operating e-bikes or e-scooters must wear a helmet, regardless of age. Riders younger than 18 operating a manual bicycle or scooter are also required to wear a helmet.

Bicycles, scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks.

The police department also outlined classifications for electric bicycles:

• Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2 e-bikes use a throttle and/or pedal assist, with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Riders younger than 16 are not permitted to operate Class 3 e-bikes.

According to the police department, e-bikes, motor-driven cycles and motorcycles also are prohibited on sidewalks, multiuse trails and bike paths.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, state law defines motor-driven cycles based on wattage. Devices with more than 750 watts require a driver's license to operate. Devices with 3,700 watts or more are classified as motorcycles and require registration, insurance and a motorcycle endorsement.

Police also advised parents that some high-powered e-bikes sold online or through third-party marketplaces may exceed those wattage limits and could be classified as motor-driven cycles or motorcycles under state law.

Violations of the regulations may result in fines, referrals to the Youth Diversion Team or juvenile court, or seizure of the device, according to the police department.