Ridgefield Residents Approve E-Bike Restrictions & Road Ordinance Changes

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Residents at a Sept. 17 special town meeting approved four measures, including creating an affordable housing trust fund and updating town rules on e-bikes and scooters.

First on the agenda was the assignment of the Halpin Lane Nolan property lease to Acadia Housing, a nonprofit based in Rocky Hill. First Selectman Rudy Marconi explained the lease, originally signed in 1990, required a public hearing and town vote because the town owns the land. Residents voted in favor of allowing the transfer.

The second item addressed growing concerns over motorized transportation on sidewalks and trails. Voters supported new restrictions on e-bikes, e-scooters, skateboards and similar devices in public spaces. Marconi said the rules are meant to reduce safety risks, citing complaints of near collisions and damage to conservation trails. A new state law taking effect Oct. 1 will also limit certain e-bikes on roads without a license.

Voters also approved changes to the tertiary road ordinance. The update broadens the definition of cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads, removing language that previously capped the number of homes on such streets. Officials said the change will give the town more flexibility in budgeting capital funds for road repairs.

The final item created an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to receive fees developers may pay instead of building affordable units, as allowed under Ridgefield’s zoning regulations. Members of the town’s Affordable Housing Committee said the fund aligns with the town’s affordable housing plan and will allow Ridgefield to better manage future projects.

All four measures passed by standing vote, with the Board of Selectpersons authorized to carry them out. The meeting adjourned after about an hour.