Block Island Times

New coalition discusses options for moped reform

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 at 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. During the virtual meeting, Bacon announced as of Thursday, Aug. 20 there had been 55 moped accidents for the 2020 season, “compared to 34 accidents last year from Labor Day to Memorial – an increase of 62 percent.”
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 and retail manager Thea Monje, real estate agent Gail Ballard Hall, and Creative Director Michael Rock. Moped operator John Leone was originally scheduled to speak, but “was in a meeting with lawyers,” said

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