Greetings. I am a summer resident on Chappy and would simply have three observations to offer in view of the mounting email traffic I am receiving relating to the Chappy Bike Path. 

First, I am hoping that the mounting email foray underway is not the formalized process through which this decision will be made, in the dark of winter, during a holiday period, when so many residents are off-island or otherwise phenomenally busy. A more formalized and staged commenting procedure seems a more appropriate course to a more considered solution. 

Second, I find this a curious time to be considering a further outlay to study a concept already well-understood, not to mention to finance the bike path itself. The United States and its taxpayers are currently bucking an economic tsunami, which has and will continue to deplete taxpayer resources at an alarming pace. At a time when the wealth of so many is down by as much as 50%, with escalating government bailouts (TARP and more) destined to further burden us all, and with layoffs just getting started, the thought of spending any money at all on this project, at this time, given its relative importance, to assist bicyclers, is just not the “green” thing to do at this moment, assuming the path would be publicly funded. The timing is poor. Pubic funds are badly needed elsewhere.

Third, I have always questioned whether the associated benefit of establishing a bike path on Chappy merits the associated expense. Presuming some bikers bike because it is too far to walk, I would think an attractively designed Chappy Bus or two, possibly open air, constantly circling the Island, could actually reduce the number of bikers on the roads, provide families with small children a much safer choice, offer access to Chappy to those who physically cannot bike or do not wish to bike, and thereby appeal to a broader segment of the community, at a fraction of the cost, without harming our coveted landscape.

I and my family would have further thoughts on this project, where we given sufficient time and a more orderly venue in which to respond. But for now, and with all due respect to all that have commented, if a “vote” were somehow required this instant, I would be a “nay.” On the surface, to me, this does not seem to be the right process, nor the right time, nor the best solution. 

Respectfully, Thomas Lott, 24 Litchfield Road, Chappy.