Saugus agrees to new rail trail regulations

SAUGUS — City Assembly members voted unanimously to adopt new rules and regulations for the city’s section of the Northern Strand Trail, commonly known as the Rail Trail.

Article 27, which proposed the creation of a rail trail section in the city’s bylaws, was intended to add several important definitions, distinctions, and rules and regulations regarding trail oversight.

“I have always been a strong supporter of our rail trail and know that many of our residents enjoy it every day,” said Debra Panetta, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen. “However, there have been some problems on our route, including motor vehicles traveling very fast.”

Of note is that the newly added chapter designates “multi-use trails” as intended for pedestrian use only, prohibiting the use of motorized vehicles and equipment, with the exception of authorized service vehicles, emergency vehicles, and electrical equipment no larger than 36 inches in diameter intended for disabled people, electric bicycles and electric scooters.

Any motor vehicle permitted for use on trails must also not exceed 15 miles per hour and yield to persons using non-motorized facilities or vehicles. People using “devices designed to be propelled solely by human power” – such as bicycles and roller skates – must also yield to pedestrians.

“The trail is intended to be used for bicycles, runners, roller skaters and walkers, and certainly not for motorcycles or ATVs,” Panetta said.

Additionally, horse riding on the trail is prohibited in this section.

The new section also prohibits the obtaining, selling, renting or trading of goods, merchandise, tangible or intangible property, goods, liquids, foodstuffs or services for hire, or the provision of any service for hire on the trail, unless a license has been obtained.

Violations of this ordinance will result in a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for second and any subsequent violations.

Panetta said that as the weather warms, police will be preparing a bicycle patrol unit to monitor traffic on the rail trail.