Revisiting the Rail Trail

Improving the public safety of the 2.5-mile segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail which runs through Saugus remains a work in progress

By Mark E. Vogler

The state Attorney General’s Office last September approved a Town Meeting warrant article that empowers Saugus police to fine people for operating unauthorized vehicles or speeding on the town’s rail trail. Cars, motorcycles, ATV vehicles and other gas-powered vehicles are not allowed on the 2.5-mile segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail that runs through town.

A major feature of the rail trail bylaw approved by Town Meeting is a 15 mph speed limit for motorized vehicles on the multi-use trail, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. And violators face a $100 fine for the first offense and $250 for each additional offense. Police also have the power to tow and store at the owner’s expense any unauthorized vehicles they stop on the trail.

“The bylaw definitely helps make the rail trail a safer place,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Riccardelli told The Saugus Advocate this week.

“I think we’re on our way. We have bike patrols out there again this summer [for the third consecutive year]. The citizens are happy to see the bikes, because they give a police presence to the trail,” he said.

But Chief Riccardelli, others in his department and civilians who ride or walk the trail regularly acknowledge there’s more the town could do to improve public safety along the route. “The bylaw gives us some type of enforcement power,” said Lt. Anthony LoPresti, a night shift commander who sometimes helps patrol the trail.

“It gives us some options where we had none before. But it’s not perfect. We need more signage. That would definitely help,” Lt. LoPresti said.

“It would be great if we had cameras installed. But signage is more realistic. We need to make it a little safer, whether you’re a runner or somebody walking a child. Most people aren’t aware of the speed limit,” he said.

That’s because there aren’t any signs posted along the trail, informing the public about the 15 mph speed limit. There aren’t any signs summarizing the town bylaw, especially explaining the vehicles that are prohibited from use on the trail. Other problems persist, too, which suggests there needs to be some public education, particularly for people who use the trail.

For instance, during several trips to the rail trail in preparation for the story, The Saugus Advocate observed that many people don’t push the button to activate the flashing yellow lights before they step into the crosswalk and quickly cross the street. This becomes a potential problem for passing motorists who are driving through the intersection and don’t see the bicyclist, runner or walker immediately.

At one of the crosswalk intersections in town, a parked car was observed in close proximity to the crosswalk, which created a potential traffic hazard because it obstructed the view of vehicles approaching the crosswalk.

The e-bike dilemma

Runners or people who hike the rail trail told The Saugus Advocate that e-bikes whizzing by them were their greatest fear for personal safety. Mark Brennan, a 70-year-old Lynn resident, said he’s observed a few transgressions involving people speeding way above the speed limit. “It’s not just kids doing it,” Brennan said.

“It’s guys in their 30s and 40s who ride like they are training for the Pan-Mass Challenge. But I’m mostly happy with everything. It’s great,” he said.

Lt. LoPresti recalled that the big problem police patrolling the rail trail faced last year was “kids on regular bikes causing trouble and filming it and putting it on social media.”

“We’re not seeing much of that this year. This year, it’s e-bikes. We had one towed away,” Lt. LoPresti said.

“The problem with e-bikes is that the state doesn’t register them or make the owners insure them, so it’s just a free-for-all,” he said. “We have a situation where some 12 year olds are buying these electric bikes and wreaking havoc around town. Why would you buy something for a kid that goes 50 to 60 miles per hour? Last year, it was regular bikes causing problems on the trail. This year, it’s motorized scooters and e-bikes.”

Rick Fail, himself a serious e-bike owner, readily admits he is concerned about the safety hazards associated with e-bikes. “Broken arms, broken legs, broken heads,” said the 67-year-old U.S. Navy veteran.

“It’s basically a motorcycle that you are putting a kid on without a helmet. It’s just like traffic. You are always going to have a jerk, whether it’s 17 years old or 70,” he said.

Fail suggested that the town consider, as a cheaper option, painting speed limits at various locations along the paved path of the rail trail.

Fail said he’s noticed some improvement over the past year in how the town responds to problems. “The behavior has improved with the police officers having a presence on the trail,” Fail said. “A lot of people walk with their dogs and families. It’s such a gem to have in our town. It gets you out of your house and into nature.”

Favio Vreka, a 2020 Saugus High School graduate, said he enjoys the rail trail, but sees room for improvement. He suggested expanding a lane to accommodate the rail trail, and the posting of some rules. “I think it’s a great path if you want to go for a walk or run after work. When I drive, I always slow down in the area of the crosswalk coming off the trail,” Vreka said.

“Some people don’t activate the warning light to alert drivers that pedestrians or cyclists are in the crosswalk. And that’s something I’m aware of from driving in the area. And it makes me cautious,” he said.

Leonardo DeSantis, 15, a sophomore at Saugus High School, said he thinks that something needs to be done about public safety. “A group of kids wearing masks came over and asked to use his bike and they took off with it,” DeSantis said.

“They stole my friend’s bike,” he said.

DeSantis suggested that lights and cameras be installed along the rail trail.

Cameron Le, 15, who was riding a powered scooter, said he worries about people “cutting you off.”

“I guess they’re kids on electric bikes,” said Le, a friend of DeSantis and a student at Northeast Metro Tech.

One out-of-town bicyclist passing through town observed that a lot of people don’t understand the etiquette for using the bike trail.

Lt. LoPresti said the town needs to collaborate with other cities and towns along the trail and set the same enforcement rules as they do.

Chief Riccardelli said he tries to compare notes with fellow police chiefs on how they respond to similar problems facing the town. Since the rail trail opened, there have been no major incidents, according to the chief.