Photo: Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Lawmakers on Beacon Hill heard arguments on a bill that would create a task force to update and enforce new and existing laws for motorized bikes, scooters and mopeds.
The Joint Committee on Transportation considered the bill, sponsored by State Sen. Nick Collins, at a hearing Tuesday morning. The legislation would establish a task force, increase fines for violations, require insurance for all commercially used vehicles and require public hearings before any state funded bike lanes are constructed.
Locals like Jack of Weymouth say the additional enforcement is needed.
"I see people all the time just coming down and just ripping, you know, you see them on the sidewalks. Guys are hopping curbs and stuff."
According to data from MassDot's crash portal, there were 71 motored cycle operator fatalities across the Bay State in 2024 — a 22% increase from 2023. While motored cyclists face an increased risk of injury and death, some locals think the task force won't have any real impact on the situation.
"What are they gonna do? Try to chase them down, unless they are on mopeds too, then they can get them." one resident said. "You can't stop that, you know what I mean. It's unstoppable. It's probably a waste of time to start the task force."
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.