The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee continued a months‑long discussion on stop signs and intersection treatments for multiuse paths, focusing on alternatives to requiring path users to stop at private and secondary roads.

At issue: the committee is seeking treatments that preserve path user safety and predictability without creating an excessive number of new vertical signs. Members discussed examples from other jurisdictions — San Diego’s use of intersection caution signs for multiuse path crossings, a Colorado DOT worded driveway caution sign referred to in the meeting, and pavement thermoplastic markings — and debated whether an icon‑style warning sign or a pavement marking would better alert path users approaching cross‑traffic.

Staff reported they had seen an 18‑inch diamond crossroad sign used in California and said the San Diego presenter described it as "an acceptable treatment, at least in California." Committee members and staff explored alternatives that could include thermoplastic pavement legends, red crossing stripe markings, and textured driveway aprons or Belgian block to slow motorists exiting driveways.

The committee approved a request that staff draft a letter asking the select board to place the topic on its agenda; members also discussed routing recommendations through the MPDC per the committee’s advisory role. The committee reviewed a prototype warning sign produced by town sign shop staff (Ray Sylvia) — a green/blue “Nantucket” styled sign produced as a temporary example — and members generally supported presenting a final design to the select board and showing a sample at town meeting. Several members suggested producing thermoplastic pavement versions or stickers for rental and fleet bikes as lower‑cost adjuncts.

Safety and practicality were recurring concerns: some members said vertical signs can be stolen or clutter the landscape, while others said pavement markings and rumble features can better cue riders. Members also noted state and federal traffic control guidance (MUTCD) and MassDOT practices inform what can be used on roadways and crossings; staff said some treatments may require local or state approval.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with the town sign shop and Ray Sylvia on production costs and options, explore pavement marking thermoplastic alternatives, and prepare a letter to the select board asking for a formal presentation and discussion. The committee agreed to revisit the item next month with refined cost estimates and sample materials.