Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee — May 21, 2026
The meeting was largely procedural and focused on planning, with only moderate internal debate regarding project priorities.
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During the May 21 meeting of the New London Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a fundamental question was raised: Is the committee focusing on the right things?
While much of the discussion centered on the upcoming Pocket Park project—including fundraising and design—some committee members expressed concern that this project is overshadowing the group's primary mandate. Member Don noted that the park's focus may be pulling resources and attention away from the development of regional walking and biking networks.
Beyond the debate over the committee's direction, several pressing safety issues were highlighted. The committee identified the South Pleasant Street intersection and the areas surrounding the new school development as high-priority danger zones due to poor sightlines and traffic congestion. They are now moving to recommend these specific areas to the DPW for intervention.
Additionally, the committee addressed the rise of high-speed electric bikes and motorbikes being operated by young people on sidewalks and streets. They have committed to contacting the Public Safety Department to discuss the lack of clear regulation for these vehicles.
Public impact
Significant safety risks identified at specific dangerous intersections and school zones.
The committee identified these locations as priority areas to recommend to the DPW.
a speaker will contact the Montessori School to gather updates on discussions with the DPW and Town Planner.
Topics discussed
The committee reviewed and approved the minutes from the April 16th meeting.
The minutes were approved following a motion and a second.
Discussion regarding an increase in high-speed electric bikes/motorbikes being operated by young people on sidewalks and streets.
The committee agreed that regulating these vehicles is a matter for the state legislature, but local public safety should be consulted.
a speaker to contact the Public Safety Department to discuss concerns.
Planning for participation in local events including Strawberry Fest, Hospital Days, and Music on the Green.
The committee tentatively committed to a presence at Strawberry Fest from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
a speaker to forward the Strawberry Fest flyer to the group and check with the band committee regarding music concert participation.
A detailed report on the Pocket Park design, funding strategy, and recent presentations to the Board of Selectmen.
The project is moving forward with a focus on community outreach and design feedback; construction is projected for late summer/early fall 2028.
Conduct online community surveys and in-person forums; develop a fundraising campaign targeting large gifts for 2027.
Analysis of dangerous intersections, specifically South Pleasant Street and areas near the new school development.
The committee identified these as priority areas for recommendation to the DPW.
a speaker to contact Liz Newhouse at the Montessori School to gather updates on her conversations with DPW and the Town Planner.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Pocket Park Project Scope vs. Committee Mandate
High-Speed Electric Vehicle Regulation
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-07.
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