Signs are up in Winthrop’s Ingleside Park alerting residents to the town’s new E-bike and motorized scooter policy that prohibits the vehicles from public parks in Winthrop.
At last week’s town council meeting, several councilors noted that there have still been some issues with people riding the electric bikes and scooters in the park, and asked about enforcement of and education about the ordinance.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of E-bikes down there because I just got out of there coaching football, the fast ones too, I’m still seeing them,” said Precinct 6 Councilor Martin Finn.
Councilor-at-Large Kurt Millar thanked Town Manager Tony Marino and the town for getting the signs up at Ingleside Park about the E-bike policy.
“One thing that I think we can still do is get some knowledge out there,” said Millar. “The police department has done it with what it actually allowed for different age groups and safety gear that should be worn on certain ones. I was hoping to get some information on the town website … so that would help us guide the conversation, but I do appreciate that you got this done.”
Marino noted that the police department has posted a flyer with information and safety regulations regarding the vehicles, and that information has now been reposted to town sites.
Millar also asked if there would be any action taken at French Square, which is also a town park that falls under the new policy.
“We can take a look at signs there,” said Marino. “The push was to get them down at Ingleside, we didn’t have any plans right now, but we will take a look at it.”
As far as e-bike use outside of the parks on town streets, Marino said he suspects that many riders are violating the law by not wearing helmets or proper safety gear.
“It’s not just here, it is every town I drive through,” said Marino. “I would caution the parents too, about buying these things for their children, they need the safety equipment.”