For years, I have had an ongoing fantasy. I dream of renting a moped on a hot summer day. I would like my sweetie to ride behind me, holding on to my waist, the sun blasting against my skin and the wind in my hair as I ride joyful next to the ocean. Oh my goodness, does it get any better than this?

But I live on Martha’s Vineyard. Like most of us who live here, I have witnessed the accidents. I pray every time I see one driving down our roads. I am not in favor of outlawing them. I believe they have a place. But I am in favor of enforcing the rules and insuring that we, as an Island community, have done everything possible to keep our moped riders safe.

Through our complacency, we have created this quagmire of harm.

It is my understanding that not one of the four moped agencies have a legal track. I believe there is one in Vineyard Haven that is a foot too short, and the other three use the public streets of Oak Bluffs. This is not acceptable. It is not only unsafe for our community but also a clear violation of the understandings reached with each town.

All winter, I have seen the mopeds parked outside, not covered or protected in any way, the weather wreaking havoc with their engines. Last week’s newspaper told me that the volunteer firemen perform the safety inspections for the town. Are the firemen mechanics? How does this work? Again, in my mind, this is a safety issue.

I also know that moped drivers are not always instructed in the rules of where it is okay to drive. They drive two-by-two down the road. Or that it is not all right to ride with a person under 4 feet 8 inches. Yet we see children on the backs of mopeds all the time. The weight limit is 335 pounds. Last summer I saw an accident involving two retired couples. Their mopeds were clearly carrying more than the manufacturers stated limits.

When violations occur, how is the moped company held accountable? Is there a plan with the Island police chiefs to notify the selectman of the renting town, so that the moped company can be held accountable according to the law?

Personally, I do not care where the moped agency is located. Let them rent commercial space at the airport, and operate shuttle vans to and from the boat. Rent a space that allows for proper instruction and testing. Follow the rules.

I also need to say that I do not believe it is our responsibility to see that the family that owns all four of the moped companies on the Island (three solely, one 50 per cent) remains in business. If they cannot follow the law, let them go. It would be fine to turn the license over to someone who can and will do the right thing.

Like the members of MADAC, I strongly believe in safety, accountability and enforcement. As an Island community, we need to take a stand and support our town officials in upholding the laws that are already on the books.

Katharine Kavanagh
Vineyard Haven