Weston Conservation Commission unanimously approves Class 1 e-bikes on town trails

WESTON — February 6, 2024 — Weston Conservation Commission unanimously opens town trails to Class 1 e-bikes. The 5-0 vote Tuesday amends the commission's land use regulations to specifically permit pedal-assist bicycles defined under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1 — capped at 20 mph with no throttle — on trails managed by the Conservation Department. Conservation Administrator Jordan said affirmative action was required because state law under c. 85, § 11B¾ D otherwise prohibits e-bikes on natural-surface trails. Weston Forest and Trail Association trustee Joel Angiolillo confirmed the WFTA board had voted to support the change with one dissenter. Resident and cancer survivor Cliff Hirsch told members his e-bike returned him to the sport: "E-biking has opened up the world to me." The commission also issued an Order of Conditions for a riverfront redevelopment at 21 Maurice Place with nearly 6,000 square feet of mitigation plantings, and signaled it will pursue a license agreement rather than removal for historic landscape features sitting on town conservation land at 153 Church Street.