The Northborough Conservation Commission voted unanimously to amend its allowed‑uses policy and permit Class 1 electric bicycles (pedal‑assist up to 20 mph) on town conservation trails.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and compatibility with other trail users, and the commission’s trails committee recommended allowing Class 1 e‑bikes because distinguishing them from standard mountain bikes in the field is difficult. The commission noted existing rules already permit bicycles on impervious accessible trails; the amended policy extends permitted use to natural‑surface trails with the same general trail‑use rules and the expectation that the trails committee may later recommend route‑level exclusions if necessary.

The motion to allow Class 1 e‑bikes passed on a roll call vote recorded as: Dan Clark—yes; Todd Hellwig—yes; John Johnson—yes; Sadie Stone—yes; Greg Young—yes. The commission said it can revisit restrictions at specific sites if trail damage or erosion concerns arise.