To the Editor:
The renewal of moped licenses will be discussed at the upcoming Oak Bluffs Select Board meeting on Tuesday, May 13.
I was a member of the Mopeds Are Dangerous Action Committee in 2016. We did our best to make the roads of Martha’s Vineyard safer by suggesting changes to the operation of the businesses to promote increased safety, proper training, and vetting of potential renters. We got a nonbinding question on the ballot of each of the towns asking if moped rentals should be stopped on the Vineyard. All of the towns said yes. Our point was always that enforcement saves lives.
We all know the history of the accidents and tragedies related to rentals of mopeds (more like powerful scooters now) to riders with no skills handling two-wheeled motor vehicles. If the licenses are to be renewed, ridership should be restricted to one person per vehicle. Riding with someone on the back of a two-wheeled vehicle requires a different set of skills than riding solo. The renters of these mopeds, even if they have ridden a two-wheeled motor vehicle before, may not have experience handling such a vehicle with the difference in weight distribution and management, coupled with the crowded, narrow, and sandy roads. I believe that visitors to the Island in general, and moped renters specifically, do not comprehend the size of the Vineyard, nor its changing topography. Last year’s fatal accident on Beach Road should be the last on this Island if the board does its duty and takes into full consideration the stipulations of the town bylaws and the license requirements.
I urge all Vineyard residents to attend the meeting next Tuesday and make your voices heard. If you are unable to attend, write a letter to the select board and send it to bosadmin@oakbluffsma.gov for inclusion in the meeting notes. The most important role in our democracy is the citizen, and together our voices can make our community safer.
Nicole Brisson
Edgartown
Dear OB Select Board:
Moped rentals certainly ought to be done away with – it is reckless and irresponsible for the rental of mopeds to continue. But now there is a modern version of the moped taking hold. Electric Bikes that can exceed 35-40mph!
It would be wise to make a serious attempt to address this issue. They are considered to be “bikes” & they will soon be creating safety issues on the island’s bike paths. Nip this in the bud – regulate and ENFORCE the speed of Electric Bikes, scooters.
As a frequent biker on the islands awesome network of bike paths I often experience E-Bikes & E-Scooters traveling at speeds faster than the cars on the roads right next to me!
Back in the 80’s I was as a “moped instructor” we’d give lessons to folks who’d never ridden one before and send them out, knowing full well they’d soon be picked up in our service truck or an ambulance. Today, I see the same kind of “instruction” happening at bike rental places – people who’ve never been on an E-Bike are being told they can ride up to 35 mph ON the bike paths!
If OB cares about visitor’s & residents safety – please address E Bikes (and all electric motor powered vehicles)