TO: Board of Selectmen 
FROM: James Williams 
RE: Chappy bike path 
I am writing to OPPOSE any proposed bike path on Chappaquiddick. 
Paving rural, ecologically sensitive Chappaquiddick to accommodate recreational bikers does not make sense, aside from the expense and maintenance, for SAFETY REASONS. 
A meandering paved path crossing multiple dirt and sand roads, trails and driveways with low vegetation and trees obstructing clear view for all is a safety hazard, not a benefit to bikers. Chappaquiddick is a small island. Such a project would be overwhelming and forever change its rural and unique character. 
My question is: How can we afford to build and maintain and pave a bike path at this time with these funds, when there is absolutely no assurance that bikers will be more safe and will even use the path and prefer the road itself. Despite the Vineyard's excellent bike path system elsewhere, accidents and fatalities occur regularly between autos and bicyclists. To date none have on Chappy. 
I do not support a bike path on Chappaquiddick. 
James M. Williams 
Chappaquiddick