Sudbury Police To Increase Rail Trail Patrols Amid E-Bike Safety Push

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury police said officers will have a more visible presence on the rail trail and at street crossings as the department works to address safety concerns tied to bicycles and e-bikes.

The Sudbury Police Department said in a statement Wednesday that it is planning educational seminars on pedestrian, bicycle and e-bike safety as newer micromobility devices become more common in town. Police said advances in technology, especially the growing popularity and affordability of e-bikes, have outpaced current Massachusetts law.

While the department prepares to host public seminars for residents with questions, police shared interim safety guidance based on information from MassDOT.

Under Massachusetts law, a bicyclist is considered the operator of a vehicle, according to the department. That means riders crossing a public road while still on a bicycle, including an e-bike, are not treated as pedestrians and must follow the rules of the road when entering or crossing traffic.

Police said that includes rail trail crossings that function like crosswalks. Riders do not automatically have the right of way if they remain on the bike, according to the department. If they dismount and walk the bike across the road, they are considered pedestrians and receive the legal protections associated with crosswalk use.

The department also said pedestrians share responsibility for road safety and should avoid stepping suddenly into traffic without giving drivers enough time to stop. Police urged pedestrians to use crossing signals and push-button lighting systems, wear bright or reflective clothing and make eye contact with approaching drivers when possible.

State lawmakers are currently working to clarify parts of Massachusetts law related to e-bikes, according to the department. Until then, Sudbury police said their focus is on educating riders and promoting safe operation, particularly for residents who may not understand the devices' capabilities and limitations.

Police said current guidance is that an e-bike should not be able to travel faster than 20 mph using the throttle alone. If a device exceeds that limit, it may instead qualify as a motorized bicycle or moped, which would require registration and licensing.

The department said e-bike riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets, and state law requires helmets for riders younger than 16. E-bikes are generally not allowed on sidewalks, police said, though rail trails are not considered sidewalks.

Sudbury police also noted that e-dirt bikes are different from e-bikes and are classified as off-road vehicles subject to separate restrictions, age requirements and regulations.

Residents who see unsafe activity are asked to call Sudbury police at (978) 443-1042.

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