To: Committee on Government Regulations
From: Meredith Mason-Crowley
Date: October 25, 2025
Re.: Use of Bicycles on Sidewalks, and other information regarding e-bicycles and motorized
bicycles
On Monday evening, October 20, 2025, the Committee of Government Regulations participated
in a Town Meeting Members informational presentation on Articles 16, 17, and 18 to be
discussed at Winchester’s Fall Town Meeting beginning in November. Roger Wilson asked a
question about whether bicycles can be ridden on sidewalks in Winchester, as well as other
questions regarding E-bikes or Motorized bicycle use in the town. The following is a response to
his questions regarding Article 16, Chapter 1, Section 3, definition of “Sidewalk,” and other
questions.
The answer to whether bike riders are permitted to use sidewalks in Winchester is yes. In
Section 3, Definitions of Chapter 1, the definition of “Sidewalk” references Chapter 8, Section
11, “Use of Sidewalks.” In this definition, it is clarified that bicycle riders are permitted to use
sidewalks in Winchester that are outside districts zoned as GBD areas. See Chapter 8, Section 11
below:
No person shall drive or draw any cart, wagon, sled or other vehicle (except wheelchairs or strollers)
over or upon any sidewalk in the Town, provided, however, that bicycles may be ridden
on sidewalks outside districts zoned for general business. A person operating a bicycle on
the sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and
passing any pedestrian.
Given bicycle use on sidewalks is stated in Chapter 8, I do not propose to cite the whole
definition from Chapter 8, Section 11, in the Chapter 1, Section 3, definition of
Sidewalk." Chapter 1 is meant as a general reference to common definitions found throughout
the bylaws.
Additionally, Roger had other bicycle-related questions, regarding state and local laws, including
some about the use of e-bicycles and motorized bicycles on the Tri-Community Greenway (TCG),
located between Winchester, Woburn, and Stoneham. I'll try to address these questions. I have
compiled snippets of information from local and state laws, Mass Bike, and other online bike
resources for information to have for discussion at Thursday's meeting.
"The TCG is a multi-purpose path designed for cyclists, walkers, joggers, and strollers to connect
communities, parks, and transportation hubs. The Greenway’s major destinations are schools,
parks, and commuter rail stations." The TCG differs from a general bike path, which is designed
primarily for bikes, distinguished by either a painted bike lane on a street or an off-road
path. Winchester does not have any specific bylaws for the TCG, or for e-bicycles, or motorized
bicycles. Massachusetts allows cities and towns to pass bylaws or ordinances on bike paths or
greenways if needed.
Below are some M.G.L. cited to answer questions Roger posed regarding bicycles, e-bicycles, or
motorized bicycles on public ways, including sidewalks and bike paths, as well as other
information on e-bicycles and motorized bicycles:
Can bikes be ridden on sidewalks in Massachusetts and Winchester? Yes, according
to M.G.L. Ch. 85 Sect. 11B and Winchester Bylaw Ch. 8 Section 11. A cyclist may ride a bicycle
outside the GBD; however, they must yield to pedestrians. Excerpts from Chapter 1 of Section
90 referenced in Ch. 85 Sect. 11B, indicates “a person operating a bicycle upon a way… shall
have the right to use all public ways in the commonwealth except limited access or express state
highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles” are posted.
What is a public way? A Public Way," under definitions in M.G.L. Part 1 Title Ch 90
Section. 1, a ''Way'', is any public highway, private way laid out under authority of statute, way
dedicated to public use, or way under the control of park commissioners or body having like
powers. Bicycles in Ch. 85 Sect. 11B have access to "all public ways" except where limited access
is posted, e.g., highways. Sidewalks can be considered part of a public way, even though they
are primarily dedicated to pedestrians. Winchester has a bylaw, Ch. 18-3, that defines Public
Way and includes sidewalks.
Can e-bikes be ridden on sidewalks? No, according to M.G.L. Ch. 85 Sect. 11B 3/4
(b) “electric bicycle…is afforded all of the rights and privileges bicycles, and shall be subject to all
the duties of an operator of a bicycle or duties related to a bicycle set forth in sections 11B and
11B ½, any general or special law, regulation or local ordinance: provided, however, that electric
bicycles shall not be ridden or operated on sidewalks.”
Can e-bikes be ridden on a bike path, bikeway, or Greenway? According to M.G.L. Ch. 85
Sect. 11B 3/4 (c) Yes, however, a “municipality… with jurisdiction over a bike path or bikeway
after public notice and public hearing may adopt ordinances or regulations prohibiting or
otherwise regulating the operation of electric bicycles on such paths, including, but not limited
to, the imposition of speed limits.”
Can a motorized bicycle be ridden on a bike path or Greenway? There is a difference
between E-bikes and Motorized Bicycles. According to M.G.L. Ch. 90 Sect. 1B (2) “motorized
bicycles may be operated on bicycle lanes adjacent to the various ways, but shall be excluded
from off-street recreational bicycle paths.”
Can an e-bike be ridden on a natural trail designated for non-motorized
traffic? According to M.G.L. Ch. 85 Sect. 11B 3/4 (d) no.
How are e-bicycles and motorized bicycles different? E-bikes are leveled according to
engine power by Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes, whereas Motorized Bicycles exceed the
speed levels of e-bikes. "In Massachusetts, motorized bicycles are treated like regular bicycles.
However, a valid driver's license or learner's permit is mandatory for operating a "motorized
bicycle," which is defined as any e-bike exceeding the speed (over 20 mph) or power limits for
Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, or one that has been modified beyond these limits."
Requirements for Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes:
• No license required: These e-bikes are not considered "motorized bicycles" under
Massachusetts law.
• Age requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike.
• Registration: Registration with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is not required.
• Laws to follow: You must follow all traffic laws that apply to regular bicycles, such as
obeying traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians.
• Riding areas: They are allowed on public roadways and bike lanes, but not on
sidewalks.
• Riders must wear a helmet.
• Class 1 pedal assist- no throttle, motor cuts off at 20 mph, maximum motor 750 watts,
generally allowed on bike paths and trails.
• Class 2 throttle enabled, motor cuts off at 20 mph, maximum motor 750 watts, often
restricted to roads and bike lanes.
• Class 3 Pedal-assist only (no throttle), Motor assistance cuts off at 28 mph, maximum
motor 750 watts, often restricted to roads and e-bike lanes.
Requirement for motorized bicycles:
• License required: If your e-bike exceeds the Class 1 or Class 2 limits, it is considered a
"motorized bicycle" and requires a valid driver's license or learner's permit to operate.
• Speed limits: These vehicles cannot go faster than 25 mph.
• Helmet required: Operators and passengers must wear protective headgear at all times.
• Registration: Registration and a license plate are required.
I looked to see if a few towns regulate e-bikes or motorized bicycles. The Town of Wellesley, for
example, has no regulations on e-bikes or motorized bikes. However, they post information on
the town website, which includes state laws on e-bikes and motorized bikes.
At this time, I have attempted to address as many questions regarding bicycles, e-bicycles, and
motorized bicycles in Winchester. I therefore recommend that Article 16 should remain as it is
currently proposed to Fall Town Meeting.
