I would like to register my opposition to a proposed bike path on Chappy. 
I am a seasonal resident who has enjoyed Chappy since 1958 with my parents and since 1985 as a homeowner myself. As a parent of three offspring and the eldest of six siblings, we have all enjoyed biking as recreation and transportation over the years on Chappy. I have been involved with local land conservation organizations working on Chappy for years. 
I do not want to see more Chappy land paved over, for any purpose. A bike path would enlarge the driving/biking area and create a much wider expanse for transportation. This would visually make Chappy Road more of a 'highway', encouraging greater vehicle speeds due to the absence of bikes on the road and creating a visual eyesore of more paving/fencing. Once the 25 mph was more consistently enforced on Chappy several years ago when we had a policeman living on Chappy, I'm told and remember that the average speed dropped from over 50 mpg to 30 mph. Drivers are aware that bikes share the road and drive accordingly. Appropriate signage announcing that bikes and cars share the road educates tourist/business drivers (i.e. non-Chappy drivers) of the need to watch for bikes on the road. 
Paving of more land is not conducive to preserving the rural character of Chappy. Our roads are typically dirt, with the paved road the exception. I realize that the paved road has been expanded over the years ever closer to the TTOR Wasque Reservation, and I hope that it will not get paved further. The pace of Chappy life is characterized by our road speed--dirt roads, shared roads, narrow roads, even bumpy roads--and is one important way to distinguish our Chappy experience from that on MV and the Mainland. Once the rurality of a place is gone, there is no way to revive it. 
Bikers need to realize that they share the road with other vehicles and practice safe riding (single file, mirrors on bikes, helmets); drivers need to realize that they share the road with bikes and practice safe driving (speed limit, no passing, patience). 
I also question whether the cost of plans for a bike path is an appropriate use of CPA funding. Once initial funding is allowed, it is always harder to reject the subsequent plan. I hope this request for path planning is rejected. 
Thank you for your consideration. 
Virginia 'Ginny' Murray