The article below, “Select Board Votes To Lower Speed Limits Along Beach Roads” by Katie Nelson published online on 3/27/25 noted the correct speed of 20 mph. The article was also printed in “The Falmouth Enterprise” on 3/28/25, page 1, with an incorrect speed of 25 mph.
Peter McConarty, Director of Public Works, presented this recommendation from the Traffic Advisory Board, showing maps of the 12 areas to be affected, including Bristol Beach from the Great Pond Bridge to Grand Ave at Elysian Ave and Falmouth Heights Beach from Elysian Ave to Walden Ave. including aproximate lengths of 3000’ and 2060’ respectively.
You can watch the meeting on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blbAdShvM_I&t=4886s. “Skip” the ad and then scroll to 1:17 through 1:33.
“Select Board Votes To Lower Speed Limits Along Beach Roads”
The select board has voted to lower the speed limit to 20 miles per hour in a dozen areas along the town’s beaches.
The new so-called safety zones encompass the beaches at Menauhant (east and west), Bristol, Falmouth Heights, Surf Drive, Chapoquoit, Old Silver (public and private), New Silver, Megansett, Old Dock and Nobska Lighthouse.
The traffic advisory committee recommended the changes because the 12 areas see heavy pedestrian and bicycle use, especially during the summer.
Director of Public Works Peter M. McConarty made the presentation to the select board at its meeting on Monday, March 24.
He said the new zones do not need approval from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation because they are not state roads. The minimum length of the safety zones is a quarter of a mile, Mr. McConarty said.
Select board member Heather M.H. Goldstone asked if the police department will have enough resources to handle enforcement of the new speed limit.
Town Manager Michael Renshaw said Police Chief Jeffrey A. Lourie has been involved with the traffic advisory committee’s plans. Mr. Renshaw said Chief Lourie feels confident the speed limit will be enforced by his officers, especially since 11 new officers were sworn in earlier this month.
Mr. McConarty added that the safety zones will be enforced all year, not just in the summer. There will be 24 new speed signs added; they will not have speed feedback or flashing lights, he said.
David Buzanoski, president of the Falmouth Heights-Maravista Neighborhood Association, said safety is “a matter of enforcing what we’ve got.” He added that in areas near Maravista Avenue the speed limit is 25 mph, but enforcement and signage have not been enough to prevent pedestrian injuries and fatalities caused by cars.
The select board voted the adoption of the 12 safety zones unanimously.