Dear Chappy friend,
> You might have received a survey form seeking your opinion about the
> construction of bike paths on Chappy. This is an important matter and
> one that I hope you will take some time to understand. Such a path
> might be along side or set in from the paved road, or possibly along
> Litchfield Road, or both. It would likely start at the ferry and go
> all the way to the beach at Wasque. A spur might also be built along
> Dike Bridge Road. None of this has been decided. Either way, It is
> important for you to cast your "vote".
>
> While it might seem that bike paths would be a wonderful thing, as I
> felt during my first four or five years on Chappy, there are very
> convincing arguments why we would be better off leaving things as they
> are. In the 38 years I've been coming to Chappy I have not known of
> a single auto-bike collision on Chappy. However, some feel that the
> situation of bikes on our road is dangerous. On about six occasions
> since 1970, this matter has been vigorously advocated - usually by
> mostly new property owners, and after much discussion, dismissed by
> the majority. Following are reasons why a bike path would be much more
> dangerous.
>
>
> Over its length, a bike path will intersect with at least 50 dirt
> driveways. At many of these intersections, visibility for bikers and
> for drivers coming out of driveways will not be good. Drivers who do
> not slow down or stop and look both ways could easily strike a child
> or adult passing over their driveway. Many drivers will be guests or
> renters not aware of this danger. But even owners, like myself, could
> be forgetful or careless. Also, it would not be wise to count on the
> cyclists stopping to look three ways at each of the 50 intersections.
> Obviously, none of us would like to cause a serious injury or death.
> Think this one through carefully before voting.
> As cars drive on dirt drives over the bike path, and with rain wash
> off, sand will be on the bike paths at many intersections. Sand will
> also be washed on to the bike path in places where it is down gradient
> from the road-particularly where the road is not paved out toward
> Wasque. Sand on bike paths is very dangerous! In fact, in the few
> places where sand has accumulated on the Chappy paved road, there have
> been some serious falls causing bad injuries. The problem would be
> increased many fold on a bike path.
> Paved bike paths would lead to more agitation from the minority who
> favor paving more or all of the roads on Chappy. This is not primarily
> a safety issue but a quality of life issue. However, cars will be
> driven faster on paved roads.
> Many of us can get frustrated when we have to slow down or stop for
> cyclists. We could often go faster if bikes were not on our roads.
> Some drivers would end up going much faster. This would increase the
> chance of accidents. Also, some cyclists would still use the road,
> even if there was a bike path.
> On nice days, a significant percentage of the hundreds of MV visitors
> who rent bikes would come to Chappy. Large numbers will increase the
> likelihood of the type of accident mentioned above. Also, as I have
> observed, when multiple bikes are loaded and organized on the Chappy
> Ferries, trips seem to take a longer than usual. If correct, this
> will increase the time spent in Ferry lines because when there are
> lines.
>
>
> A committee formed to promote the idea and they have started to work
> with Officials at Edgartown Town Hall. They await survey responses
> which they will turn over to Edgartown Town Officials. The members are
> listed at the bottom of the survey form. Undoubtedly, they may not
> agree with the concerns in this e mail and you may want to get their
> side of the argument.
>
> If you have not received a survey form and want one, please let me
> know and I'll send you one. Just three simple questions.
>
> Regards
> Lionel Spiro
>