The number of deaths, injuries (and recently dismemberment) because of mopeds on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard during the summer months is no longer acceptable. The speed at which these vehicles travel is disruptive to an already overcrowded road system and the drivers of such vehicles are not properly trained on how to operate them, resulting in tragedy every year. These deaths and accidents are entirely avoidable. By requiring the proper training of drivers, the moped rental places can stay in business, but they can only rent to experienced operators — after all, everyone who rents a car must have a driver’s license for a car. To state the obvious, a moped/scooter is not a car.

I’ve heard that previous accidents that resulted in death, as opposed to Saturday’s horrific accident that resulted in the loss of limb, were not enough to bring about change, so there’s no use in doing anything. Maybe nobody made enough noise back then and it has been proven that the only way to effect change is to make as much (respectful and civil) noise as possible. That’s why I created a petition addressed to Stephanie Pollack, secretary and chief executive officer of the Department of Transportation and Gov. Charlie Baker which says:

“We call for the riders of scooters/mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard and the rest of the state to be allowed to rent such motor vehicles only when they carry licenses similar to those required of motorcycle drivers. Rental companies shall rent only to drivers who carry such a license.”

Will you sign my petition? Click here to add your name: petitions.moveon.org/sign/require-motor-vehicle?source=c.fwd&r_by=2278844

Nicole Friedler Brisson
Edgartown