Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 18, 2025 Revisiting the Rail Trail improving the public safety of the 2.5-mile segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail which runs through Saugus remains a work in progress By Mark E. Vogler T he state Attorney General’s Office last September approved a Town Meeting warrant article that empowers Saugus police to fine people for operating unauthorized vehicles or speeding on the town’s rail trail. Cars, motorcycles, ATV vehicles and other gas-powered vehicles are not allowed on the 2.5-mile segment of 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! the Northern Strand Community Trail that runs through town. A major feature of the rail trail bylaw approved by Town Meeting is a 15 mph speed limit for motorized vehicles on the multi-use trail, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. And violators face a $100 fine for the first offense and $250 for each additional offense. Police also have the power to tow and store at the owner’s expense any unauthorized vehicles they stop on the trail. “The bylaw definitely helps make the rail trail a safer place,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Riccardelli told The Saugus Advocate this week. “I think we’re on our way. We have bike patrols out there again this summer [for the third consecutive year]. The citizens are happy to see the bikes, because they give a police presence to the trail,” he said. www.810bargrille.com Aluminum Aluminum Everett Supplies 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding Decks • • •Carpentry Work •Decks • Replacement Windows Carpentry Work • • • Fully Insured Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roong Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! But Chief Riccardelli, others in his department and civilians who ride or walk the trail regularly acknowledge there’s more the town could do to improve public safety along the route. “The bylaw gives us some type of enforcement power,” said Lt. Anthony LoPresti, a night shift Favio Vreka, a 2020 Saugus High School graduate, said he enjoys the rail trail, but sees room for improvement. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) commander who sometimes helps patrol the trail. “It gives us some options where we had none before. But it’s not perfect. We need more signage. That would definitely help,” Lt. LoPresti said. “It would be great if we had cameras installed. But TRAIL | SEE PAGE 5 Summer is Here!
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