I am writing a follow-up to your Rural Crossroads editorial in the August 11th issue of the Gazette, relating to the deepening division on Chappaquiddick. It is important that the Chappy community come to some consensus on the issue of whether or not a bike path is desired.
 In September, 2008,  a group of Chappaquiddick residents formed a committee to lobby  for building a bike path on Chappy. As soon as I learned of this, I wrote their leader that their plan needed to be first discussed by the Chappy residents and then to be submitted to a voting process by all Chappy residents. Since most of the residents had gone home for the winter, the traditional process of dealing with problems on Chappy had to wait until next summer. Unfortunately the group ignored my advice and over the winter they took their plan to town officials for approval and financial support. Apparently they felt that this is urgent and could not wait until next summer or else perhaps they felt they had a better chance of getting town support in the absence of the summer residents.

 A recent computer survey has indicated that a large majority of Chappy residents are opposed to the building of a bike path (see www.chappybikepath.com). Therefore this summer, a committee of residents has formed to oppose plans for a bike path. This disagreement has become an emotional issue on our small Island, and has caused animosity and ill will among friends and neighbors. As someone who has had the longest record and most extensive experience of biking on Chappy, I feel compelled to offer possible ways to resolve the disagreement.

First, last month on several occasions, at the request of the committee against a bike path ( Sharing the roads committee), I wrote the leader of the Committee for the bike path (Chappy Path Committee) that the two committees should meet in person to resolve their differences. Each time my suggestion was rejected. The desirability of this approach would be that it allows the Chappy people to resolve their own Island problem without taking it to the Edgartown voters for a verdict.

Second, if this option is not workable, the next option is to ask the selectman to appoint a committee of experts and Chappy residents to serve the following functions:

a.)	to determine whether there is a significant problem for the bicyclists on the Chappaquiddick road and 
b.)	if the evidence shows that there is indeed a problem, to determine what is the most appropriate solution.

Third, if the above options fail to bring harmony and peace among the Chappy residents, then the last option is to accept the anecdotal claim of safety problems on the Chappy road, and consider the suggestion, namely, create a bike lane on each side of the Chappy road. This can be done by widening each side of the road 2 to 4 feet.
There are a number of reasons for advocating a bike lane.
1.)	There is no evidence that a bike path, like the one being considered for Chappy, increases safety. In fact, experts believe it may increase accidents.
2.)	With bike lanes, bicyclists are traveling in the same direction as traffic and the confusion crossing intersections and driveways is eliminated
3.)	In comparison with the bike path, it will greatly lessen damaging effects on the rural character of Chappy and its fragile environment.
4.)	Bike lanes are commonly used throughout Martha’s Vineyard.
5.)	The cost of building and maintaining bike lanes is much less expensive and therefore a lesser imposition on taxpayers.
6.)	A few years ago Mr. Richard Rooney of Martha’s Vineyard Commission who was asked to study problems with biking on Chappy reported that his “survey of bicyclists indicated that the bike paths may not be suitable for Chappaquiddick and that bike lanes on both sides of the road may be more appropriate.” 

Finally, there has to be an intensive attempt to educate the car drivers and bicyclists alike of the law to share the Chappaquiddick road. For example, car drivers should follow the posted speed limits and not pass where there is a double yellow line, And bicyclists have to be reminded to stay in the lane as a single file and to wear helmets.
In conclusion, my suggestions for resolving a major conflict are evidence-based and require rationality and objectivity for reaching consensus.