Recognizing that Block Island has been facing an almost kaleidoscopic amount of social, economic, and public relations setbacks this summer, a new coalition called #RespectBI held a Zoom meeting with more than 130 attendees to address thoughts and strategies on moped reform, safety and enforcement. There were a broad range of options shared on the meeting, which was held on Thursday, Aug. 20.
“I think as a movement, we can make change,” said Sarah Bacon, the founder of the #RespectBI coalition. The primary goal was to have new moped safety guidelines in place by 2021, said Bacon.
Bacon introduced the following panelists: Block Island Medical Director Dr. Tom Warcup, Police Chief Vin Carlone, Councilor Sven Risom, former Rescue Squad Capt. Lisa Sprague, traffic expert Alan Davis, resident Thea Monje, real estate agent Gail Ballard Hall, and Columbia University professor Michael Rock. Moped operator John Leone was originally scheduled to speak, but “was in a meeting with lawyers,” said Bacon.
Bacon asked the panelists to provide a quick statement on their thoughts towards the moped operations and increased accidents.
“Moped accidents have been a continual challenge for many years… To date, 55 moped accidents, and 11 transfers to trauma
