Dear Board of Selectmen, 
Re: Chappaquiddick Bike Path 
Date: 2/24/10 
As a voter in Edgartown, I strongly oppose the Chappy Path Committee's efforts to put forth designs, findings, studies and suggestions from a few engineering students from Northeastern University after having "studied" the small island of Chappaquiddick briefly. The presentation of their findings suggests a project going forward despite the fact that the vast majority of Chappaquiddick residents have clearly voiced their strong opposition to the need for and expense involved in construction of a mixed-use bike lane on Chappy. This will have irreversible environmental consequences on this small island. These students should learn, as part of their education, that a vast majority of households and people oppose this major construction project and that so many other related issues -- environment, safety, cost issues have not been addressed yet. 
Why is there a need now, after this has been discussed for decades, to study a problem that doesn't exist? I have been here since the first discussions of a mixed-use bike path took place 30 years ago. Since then, there have been no accidents between bicycles and vehicles. Why is there a need for a bike path? 
In terms of safety, no one of the proponents of the bike path, The Chappy Path Committee, has yet produced any evidence or statistics that show that a mixed-use, two-way bike path will be more safe. It is a simple question. Where is the evidence that supports the idea that building a bike lane will make the road more safe? 
I just learned this weekend via email that there is to be a presentation this Friday, February 26th at 11 a.m. We were told by Dr. Colvin of the Chappy Path Committee that this would be an inclusive and transparent ongoing "discussion." This is not the case. This presentation at this particular time of year and time of day for those who are working suggests just the opposite: exclusion of those who are not in the position to attend -- that is, the vast majority of Chappy residents, owners and renters, living near and far who though opposed to the project, will not have a voice. I submit that the improper lack of notice to all of Chappaquiddick residents and those concerned about the island its fragile habitat is beyond negligent. It is offensive to those who cannot attend and that is the majority of opponents to this mixed-use bike path. 
For those who care about the future of Chappaquiddick, a few days notice to attend a meeting in February regarding a project of such importance and magnitude, is not enough. Fair and ample notice is required. This has not been the case here. 
Respectfully, 
James Williams