Hanover Police Chief Calls for State Action on Dangerous E-Bike Use as Safety Concerns Mount
Joins meeting of Old Colony Planning Council Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
BROCKTON - August 20 - Hanover Police Chief Timothy Kane warned that a serious e-bike tragedy is "a matter of time, not whether or not it actually happens" during an appearance before the regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, detailing alarming observations of children as young as eight operating unregulated e-bikes at speeds over 30 miles per hour on busy state highways.
The Full Story
Chief Kane's urgent presentation highlighted a surge in dangerous e-bike usage that has become a primary concern for his department over the past several months. The chief reported observing very young operators traveling against traffic on Route 53, a four-to-five-lane state highway that sees approximately 50,000 vehicles daily, often riding for three-quarters of a mile in turning lanes without helmets.
"We have some very, very young operators on these bicycles," Kane explained, describing patterns that include "cutting off traffic," "failing to yield for stop signs," and operating bikes capable of speeds up to 46 miles per hour - far exceeding Massachusetts' current Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike regulations that limit speeds to 20 miles per hour.
The safety crisis extends beyond Hanover. Kane referenced several recent fatalities across Massachusetts, including an 11-year-old in Charlottesville who died after striking a tree while operating an e-bike, a 41-year-old male in Greenfield, and serious injuries to two teenagers in Plymouth whose e-bike was advertised to travel up to 46 miles per hour. "That's more of a motorcycle than it is an e-bike," Kane noted.
Facing statutory limitations with existing e-bike classifications, Kane's department has adopted an enforcement strategy focusing on Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85 Section 11B, which requires all cyclists to obey traffic laws regardless of bike type. Violations can result in $20 citations and bicycle impoundment for up to 15 days for "operating to endanger" - actions that jeopardize public safety.
The approach appears to be working. After issuing a public safety announcement and speaking before the town's select board, Kane reported a "pretty significant decrease in usage" without having to impound any bicycles to date. Local radio coverage by WATD in Marshfield helped spread awareness of the enforcement efforts.
Recent legal guidance from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association has directed departments to treat any e-bike operating outside Class 1 or Class 2 parameters as a motorized bicycle, requiring operators to be at least 16 years old, properly register the vehicle, obtain a license, and wear helmets. "That is a change of course, for sure, for us," Kane acknowledged, predicting the first such enforcement action will likely result in court appeals.
The meeting also featured presentations from the Bay Circuit Trail, a 230-mile multi-use trail surrounding greater Boston that has seen increased engagement through 86 events hosted in recent months. Trail coordinator Amber Stearns and outreach assistant Sarah Dolan described efforts to make outdoor recreation more accessible, including learn-to-ride bike classes and transit-to-trails initiatives connecting MBTA stops to trailheads.
MassDOT's Peter Sutton presented the department's new Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure Gap Analysis Map, identifying high-demand corridors on state roads throughout the Old Colony region. The interactive map highlights priority areas including Route 123 in Easton, Route 27 in Stoughton, and Route 18 through East Bridgewater, with recommended infrastructure ranging from separated bike lanes to shared-use paths.
Committee members acknowledged the complexity of balancing safety concerns with cyclists' road rights. MassBike representative Alexis Hosea-Abbott noted ongoing efforts to establish Class 3 e-bike recognition in Massachusetts through a state-issued micromobility commission, describing the legislative process as suffering from "legislative indigestion." A commission meeting is scheduled for September 16.
The enforcement challenges reflect broader issues as e-bikes now outsell traditional bicycles two-to-one statewide. Even Kane's own department recently purchased e-bikes for specialized units, requiring officers to undergo formal two-day training after some experienced minor injuries during initial use - highlighting the power differential between e-bikes and traditional bicycles.
Why It Matters
The safety concerns raised by Chief Kane directly impact every family in communities where children have access to high-powered e-bikes. Parents may be unaware that their children's e-bikes can exceed 30 miles per hour or that modifications can boost speeds even higher. With enforcement guidance now treating high-speed e-bikes as motorized vehicles requiring licenses and registration, families need to understand both the safety risks and potential legal consequences of underage operation.
What's Next
The committee will continue monitoring e-bike safety developments and may invite Chief Kane back for future updates. The state's micromobility commission will meet September 16 to address regulatory gaps. MassDOT's Peter Sutton offered to return in coming months to review the gap analysis map after planning staff have conducted detailed review. Several upcoming events were announced: Safe Routes to School webinar September 3, micromobility commission meeting September 16, and MassDOT's Moving Together conference October 28. The next BPAC meeting is scheduled for November 19.
Full meeting available via Old Colony Planning Counsel on YouTube.
EXTRA - Registration is open for six fall Household Haz Waste collections
Ten South Shore Recycling Cooperative (SSRC) towns will host six household hazardous waste collections this fall.
Registration is required, to reduce wait times.
The addresses and other important event details are revealed on the registration form at bit.ly/Fall25HHW.
Latex/acrylic paint will not be accepted at any event.
Most will take place from 9 am to 1 pm as follows:
9/6 Abington/E. Bridgewater/Hanson/Whitman - also taking propane tanks, fire extinguishers (fee); tires @ no charge
9/13 Hanover/Rockland
9/20 Marshfield
9/27 Braintree (ends at noon) $5 per 5 gal. or 5 lb. cash copayment
10/25 Plymouth - also taking tires @ no charge
11/15 Hull - also taking propane tanks, fire extinguishers (fee)
If you have questions after reviewing the registration form, visit bit.ly/ssrchhw or call 781-329-8318.