JANUARY 22 2021
We are so relieved that inauguration day 2021, the first virtual one ever, went so smoothly and was so full of inspiration, poetry, hope, and new beginnings. We look forward to so many positive changes in the next 4 years, many a long time coming.
Behind the scenes on Block Island, we are focusing on two issues that will be centered on the Town Council’s meetings: 1. Moped Licensing and 2. Champlin’s Marina expansion. Both of these issues have legal implications. The spring season is only a few months away, and this is a time when most businesses on the island are still in a deep sleep, but with one eye cracked slightly open to what lies ahead in the next several months.
The regulation of mopeds is not a new issue on Block Island. Anyone here remember when the island wanted to secede from Rhode Island? This made it to the front page of the NY Times in 1984. Check out this link here for the NYT article. By the 1980’s, mopeds became more dangerous, with people not respecting rules, not properly trained, and the sheer number of them overtaking the island. We made signs and stickers saying NO-PEDS in protest. The town was considering only allowing people with motorcycle licenses to be able to rent mopeds, and eventually, to ban them entirely. Still have fond memories of being interviewed for Channel 10 news, right outside the National Hotel (where I worked in the T-Shirt Shed) after a reporter covering the news, saw my bike parked outside with a No-Ped sticker on it.
Well, it’s now 2021, we are still part of Rhode Island, and we still have mopeds, along with all their problems.
Last season, during the pandemic, the Town Council again imposed restrictions on moped operators after several serious accidents occurred, including the fatality of a young man, in August. You can find the sad story here. After this tragedy, the Town Council came up with new regulations. Closed-toe footwear would be enforced. Not riding on dirt roads would be enforced. Rentals had to be returned by 5:00pm, not 8:00pm. Moped riders were required to wear wristbands (to keep island restaurants and bars from serving them alcohol). The number of rentals would be reduced for each operator. These were all changes we applauded.
There are other regulations that were also introduced or are being introduced now, such as asking for all riders to be age 25 and up, hiring a safety officer to help enforce regulations, adding more State Troopers every weekend starting in May, and not allowing 2 riders per moped. What remains uncertain is the use of Weldon’s Way to provide training. Weldon’s Way is a busy street with sidewalks that is unlike the majority of the terrain on the island (narrow roads, mainly with no shoulder or sandy shoulders, hills, and many curves). For someone not familiar with the island terrain, as well as not familiar with how to ride a moped, this sometimes results in very serious injuries.
Block Island has no hospital, We have an amazing medical center, but any serious injuries need to be taken off island, which can happen only with good weather.
The Town Council has discussed all these issues and more, and have continued conversations with all 5 moped operators. As new regulations are being drafted, we expect to find out soon how this will all play out for our summer season.