In a divided vote, Bethel selectmen Monday approved a plan to place road signs at three locations in town to remind motorists to keep at least three feet away from bicyclists.

The three-foot stipulation is a state law. But Selectman Don Bennett, citing frequent complaints he gets from area drivers about bicyclists riding several across and slowing traffic, voted against the plan.

The signs were requested by an area cyclist, according to town officials.

Bennett said he was not anti-bicyclist, but he felt some two-wheel riders also need to do a better job of paying attention to vehicles.

Vernon Street resident Mike Jodrey agreed. “I don’t want to go to war with the bicycles, but along with that can we get something for them to ride to the right?” he asked.

Jodrey said it is not uncommon on Vernon Street for a vehicle to encounter several cyclists riding two or three across. “You give them three feet and you’re in the ditch,” he said. “It works both ways.”

He said this week he saw Gould cyclists “shoot out of Parkway and onto Route 2,” prompting a large truck to stop for them.

Selectman Peter Southam, who is also the cycling coach at Gould Academy and owner of Bethel Bicycle, agreed that cyclists can be at fault.

Regarding the Gould riders, he said they are trained to move over, but in a group that cannot always happen instantaneously.

However, he said, “I think a lot of bicyclists need to be reminded of that. We remind them every day. The problem we have is that they are teenagers.”

Southam said he has seen the cyclists go down Mill Hill Road and across Route 5 to Grover Hill Road without looking either way.

“I’m not going to make a whole lot of excuses for them,” he said.

Southam then moved to purchase the three warning signs for the beginning of Vernon, North and Intervale roads, at a cost of approximately $500.

Bennett then described complaints he has heard. He said he has seen cyclists running stop signs and cutting between Route 2 and the Parkway through the parking lot at Mallard Mart, “weaving by a car at the pumps.”

He also said an Intervale Road driver had told him he encountered a half dozen riders there filling the edge of the road and talking to each other, and the driver did not dare to pass them. Bennett said the driver finally blew the horn.

Bennett said he understands cyclists probably have a clearer view coming up to a stop sign than do drivers, and therefore may not stop, but observing the law should be consistent.

“Let’s all understand what the law is and pay attention to it,” he said.

He then voted against the motion, which passed 3-1.

Fluoride wording

In other business Monday, selectmen approved the following wording for a referendum vote: “Shall the Bethel Water District be authorized to add fluoride to the water supply?”

Bethel business owner Sarah Lane, who is not a resident, asked selectmen to hold a town vote on whether to stop using fluoride. She said there is evidence it is linked to health risks.

The vote is scheduled for June 9. They also scheduled a public hearing for May 11.

Selectmen also voted approval for a job description for the recreation director, at an annual stipend of $8,000.

Also approved was May 26 for a public hearing on proposed changes to several town ordinances.

The board approved allowing the Bethel Ambulance Service to provide backup coverage for Shelburne, N.H., at that town’s request.

Bethel would bill any patients transported, and receive a payment from Shelburne of $150 per call.

Ambulance Director David Hanscom said he does not see the situation as an income opportunity, but rather a chance to help a small. neighboring community

Town Clerk Christen Mason reported that nomination papers taken out and returned so for June elections include Peter Southam, selectman, and Bob Everett, Board of Asessors. SAD 44 School Board incumbent directors Tim Carter and Frank DelDuca have taken out papers but not returned them, she said. The deadline for filing is 5 p.m. April 27.

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