Madison Looks to Define What Transportation is Prohibited on Sidewalks Downtown

MADISON, CT — Town officials met recently and one of the topics discussed at a Board of Selectmen meeting is what kind of traffic was prohibited on the sidewalks downtown.

First Selectman Thomas Banisch stated, via selectmen meeting minutes, that there was a request from a resident to update the ordinance of what kind of traffic was prohibited on the sidewalks downtown. He read aloud the proposed changes as follows:

The proposed revised ordinance would states that the following is prohibited:

(a) All manner of transportation including, but not limited to, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards (with the exception of baby carriages/strollers) is prohibited on the public sidewalks of the downtown business area of the town. Such area is defined as follows:

1. (1) The northerly side of the Boston Post Road from its intersection with Scotland Avenue to its intersection with Durham Road (Route # 79);
2. (2) The southerly side of Boston Post Road from its intersection with Sampson Rock Drive, westerly to its intersection with Meigs Avenue.

(a) The penalty for violation of the provisions of this section shall be a fine not to exceed the sum of five dollars ($5.00) for each offense.

Selectman Hale cautioned, via meeting minutes, that scooters should also be added; and the Board discussed that language prohibiting motorized transportation should also be added. Selectman Goldberg questioned if there was a difference between roller blades and roller skates and if that needed to be included in the ordinance.

The Board reviewed that the language should also exclude wheelchairs. Members of the public suggested that the language should reference recreational means of transportation and perhaps exclude all handicap transportation.

Moved by Selectman Hale and seconded by Selectman Wilson to table this item. VOTE: This motion was approved unanimously.