Results from a Vineyard Gazette community survey about mopeds on Martha’s Vineyard show year-round and seasonal residents share strong opposition to moped rentals on the Island.

Retired Chilmark police chief Timothy Rich is back on the job again, serving as acting chief and continuing a long battle against moped rentals on the Island.

The Vineyard Gazette’s Community Surveys project is launching an online survey about public attitudes toward mopeds and moped rentals.

A group of Islanders who have mobilized against moped rentals on the Island came before the Oak Bluffs selectmen this week with a formal complaint against the town.

During a long discussion Tuesday, Oak Bluffs selectmen vowed to take steps to improve moped safety, including revising and enforcing town bylaws.

Oak Bluffs selectmen are examining whether the Island’s largest moped rental dealer is operating on town property.

A tragic accident last weekend has led to a renewed call to ban or restrict mopeds on the Vineyard. Meanwhile, two young women are recovering from injuries.

Two young New Hampshire women riding a rented moped sustained serious injuries after hitting a dump truck on Barnes Road early Saturday afternoon. Both are recovering.

According to Chapter 90 of Massachusetts General Laws on the operation of a low-speed vehicle in the state, a low-speed vehicle is a motor vehicle that cannot legally be operated at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour.

This week I witnessed a number of near accidents and arrived just after a fender bender in two different parking lots. It is the first time I have seen the signs reading, “Drive as if your children live here.” The delicate balance between everyone who shares the roads was upset this week by the tragic death of a 22-year-old man on a moped; three people in a pick-up were not at fault. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man and the loss they all must accept and learn to live with.