I am writing to inform you of a traffic hazard on Ocean avenue, the street which bends in a semi-circle around the bandstand in Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs. It is a one-way street, but cars are routinely going the wrong way. And, like the Wabash Cannonball through East St. Louis, “they never do it slow.”

Since we arrived in late June, I estimate that more than two cars a day on average violate this law, but I’m not there all the time. Last Sunday was a record six. Two of these were stopped by police and one may have actually gotten a ticket. Pedestrians, cyclists, and autos are not looking for traffic from this direction. This is an accident waiting to happen.

The reason for this situation is that there are two intersections that have inadequate signs indicating that the street is one way.

At the intersection with Sea View there is a small sign saying Do Not Enter, hidden behind a bush. And that one could be understood as referring to the park.

At the intersection with Naumkeag avenue (where most violators enter), there are no signs at all.

Because of the inadequate signage, this is not entirely the violators’ fault, although it does take someone somewhat dense to enter at a Naumkeag and then exit onto Healey Way (another, congested one-way street) toward the post office.

The remedy is obvious and inexpensive: a couple of one-way signs, prominently placed.

Mike Lion
Oak Bluffs