KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee devoted much of its special Wednesday night meeting to the role of bicycles in the city’s ongoing downtown infrastructure project, debating everything from new bike racks to speed limits and lane safety.

Bike racks and parking ideas

As part of the redesign, permanent bike racks are expected to be installed on nearly every downtown block, replacing the current seasonal approach.

Slower speeds for cyclists

Committee members and members of the public discussed how fast bicycles should be allowed to travel downtown, with one speaker recommending an 8-mile-per-hour limit to better protect pedestrians. Others stressed that cyclists need to take personal responsibility for preventing accidents rather than relying only on city rules. Concerns were also raised about how any speed restriction could be enforced.

Safety, signage, and infrastructure

Councilors emphasized that signage and other safety measures should be central to the downtown redesign. Other speakers called for councilors to have a fuller discussion of bike lanes at the council table rather than leaving all details to the committee.

Two downtown business owners voiced skepticism about whether the planned raised bike path would be effective. Ted McGreer, who serves on the Bicycle Pedestrian Path Advisory Committee, spoke about the need to create safe environments for cyclists and pedestrians. Central Square business owner Deborah Macri expressed her opinion that many riders would likely bypass the path altogether, either choosing to ride in traffic or detour around it.

Looking ahead

The discussion also touched on issues such as crosswalk markings, yielding rules, and how to address electric bikes and scooters. Some speakers suggested that odd-numbered speed limits—such as those seen in theme park parking lots—might draw more attention from riders. Councilors Randy Filiault and Jacob Favolise raised concerns that e-bikes and scooters might not align with the downtown district’s intent and could surprise pedestrians with their quiet approach.

The committee ultimately voted unanimously to accept the draft bicycle lane rules as informational, forwarding them to the full City Council. A draft ordinance is expected to be developed for future discussion, paired with a public education campaign on how to use the new lanes safely.