Acknowledged~Parks

AFAIK, all these e-assist & other assorted mobility devices are fine, as long as they adhere to the 15mph speed limit in Parks... The larger challenge in general is how to communicate that speed limit, since most folks are not aware it exists.

I wasn't aware that there is a speed limit on the Burlington Greenway. Is this posted somewhere? A 15mph limit seems to be widely ignored by both electrically powered and muscle powered vehicles.

As stated by That Guy, the real issue for me is speed. Electric powered devices often travel too fast, especially e-bikes that can easily reach speeds of over 25 mph and do. Communication, education, enforcement. Unfortunately, I think it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident given the considerable discrepancy in speeds.

I just did a quick search of Burlington code and was unable to find the speed limit for Parks, but I know it is (or at least was) a thing. BPRW is definitely aware of the issue and is already taking steps to address it for all users (speed is as big an issue with spandex clad roadies as it is with folks on e-bikes).

I've previously written (VTDigger) that momentum / kinetic energy is more the issue than simply speed. For instance, the RadWagon4, which I've seen around town, weighs more than 75 lbs and has a cargo capacity of 350 lbs! I would hate to be hit by one of these carrying two small children and cargo. In contrast a collision with a motorized skateboard rider would be less likely to cause serious injury. Are runners limited to 15 mph sprints on the Greenway as well? BTW, bikes conform to the VT eBike definition if they can go 20 mph on level ground without pedaling (adding muscle power or traveling downhill can push them past 30 mph).

As an adjunct to speed/inertia controls, I've long thought that we should require a properly functioning bell for all vehicles using sidewalks/recreational paths. The startle factor for pedestrians who don't hear the approach of a speedy vehicle can lead to missteps and accidents.

We don't need rules that "require a properly functioning bell" because those would at best be selectively enforced, like they are in other cities that have stupid rules. There are plenty of ways to signal intent to pass when needed, a bell is one of them, a verbal signal is another.

While I ring once when I'm passing on the left, and twice if pedestrians are blocking the path, many oblivious riders (most with headphones in their ears) zoom past on the left without even a verbal warning. When this happens I generally yell, "On your right!" hoping that the message is conveyed (probably not). The lack of care exhibited on the Greenway is an accident waiting to happen.

I agree with a lot of the recent discussion about this. True, some over zealous human powered cyclists can and do travel too fast. If they are intent on getting in their 50 miler as quickly as possible, perhaps a mixed use recreational path is not the best place to do so. But to Lev's point, the Mass plus Velocity issue is very relevant. I haven't done the wieght math so thanks for that, but yeah, that's a lot of mass moving along too often at a high speed. And regarding a bell or some form of warning, I don't know about requiring one, but some form of advanced warning is helpful albeit to some degree always startling regardless of its form.I disagree slightly with you, That Guy, regarding the idea of a verbal signal being adequate. I run a lot on the path and sometimes cyclists are traveling so quickly that a verbal warning just wouldn't suffice (as in, they would be upon you by the time you actually heard them). Healthy discussion! Hopefully something comes from it.

Yesterday, on the Greenway at Waterfront Park I was passed (rapidly) by an electrically powered scooter - some of these claim 40mph as top speed. Based on this discussion, here's my opinion; There should be a speed limit (25mph?), a gross vehicle weight limit (500lbs?) and a maximum width limit (to prevent golf carts, etc). These constraints could be displayed on Greenway signage and loosely enforced by citizenry and warnings from park personnel - I can't envision how they could be strictly enforced or subject to fines. These limits, BTW, could permit lightweight electrically powered scooters, etc - these devices are generally programmable via cell phone apps to restrict speed when appropriate.

Two years ago in a metropolitan area which has an electric scooter rental program, I came very, very close to being hit by two (I presume) college-age males who swerved out of control screaming from fright from a side street and onto a pedestrian marketplace. Due to their high velocity and unpredictable course, I had no where to jump to safety. Of course, nerd that I am I did a quick estimate of speed and mass and counted my blessings. I was not helmeted. Unfortunately, there was no way to hold these operators to account--police didn't have the resources to pursue and there was no marking (registration tag, etc.) permitting a trace back to the renter to hold the irresponsible to account.

Perhaps our greenways could regulate with well-lit bollards and speed bumps to limit size, and to a certain extent, speed, while promoting some separation between vulnerable pedestrians. And maybe it is time to consider registration plates or electronic tracing by the phone apps necessary for their rental.

The original question was not answered: Which of these vehicles are allowed on the Greenway and what department is responsible for compliance and safety of pedestrians and other non-motorized users?

Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront are responsible for developing rules and guidance for the greenway. The Parks Commission will be reviewing department recommendations at the November or December Parks Commission meeting.
~Parks

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to seeing those recommendations.

That's good info - I shall try to attend the Burlington Parks Commission meetings. What are the CURRENT rules and guidance from the commission. Can you supply a link or post them in this thread? Also, who are what is responsible for enforcement. I don't believe that question has been answered.

Thank you for reporting this issue. City of Burlington staff will now begin their investigation into the matter.