<p>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.</p>
The two young New Hampshire women who sustained serious injuries in a moped accident on the Vineyard Saturday are both recovering.
Both are division one lacrosse players at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, according to the university website.
Noelle Lambert, 19, of Manchester, N.H., lost her leg in the accident when the moped she was operating hit a dump truck on Barnes Road. Her passenger on the moped, Kelly Moran, 19, of Newfields, N.H., was also injured although less seriously.
Ms. Lambert was airlifted to the Boston Medical Center shortly after the accident early Saturday afternoon. Late Monday afternoon, she was listed in fair condition.
Ms. Moran was rushed into surgery at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital Saturday. A report on her condition was not available from the Vineyard hospital on Monday, although on Sunday Oak Bluffs police said she was recovering and doing well.
Both women are listed as members of the women's lacrosse team at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a division one school. According to the school website, Ms. Lambert is an attacker and Ms. Moran a midfielder. Both were named to the America East All-Rookie team this year.
Oak Bluffs police, fire and EMS were called to the scene on Barnes Road at around 12:35 p.m. Saturday after the moped being operated by Ms. Lambert and Ms. Moran hit the dump truck, near the entrance to the youth tennis center just off the roundabout. Sgt. Steven Conley told the Gazette Sunday said an investigation into the cause of the crash found the moped, traveling south on Barnes Road, had moved too far to the right toward the shoulder of the road, then over corrected and moved too far to the left, colliding with the truck.
The operator of the truck was Augustus (Brant) Ben David of West Tisbury. Mr. Ben David was not injured and no citations have been issued, police said.
“For Mr. Ben David this is just an unfortunate circumstance, and obviously for the women as well,” Sergeant Conley said.
The two women were visiting the Island and had rented the moped from Ride On rentals in Oak Bluffs, police said.
Both women were stabilized at the scene, Oak Bluffs fire chief John Rose said.
A portion of Barnes Road was closed for a time following the accident. Edgartown police assisted with traffic control during the response.
Comments
That is an extremely negative
BFThat is an extremely negative life prognosis !
Her life is "altered". it is NOT "ruined"!
Thousands of people learn to live healthy. positive, fulfilled lives following the loss of limbs.
She needs tons of positive, upbeat, input now.
No negatives, please!!
There are so many examples of
EBThere are so many examples of people who have suffered such tragedy (e.g. marathon bombing victims), and with a bit of time and a great support system, live full and joyous lives. This girl is young, strong physically and mentally, beautiful and one tough woman! She is going to move mountains!
Don't assume her life is
Marlee Swales Tolland CtDon't assume her life is ruined
I can't understand why the
StephanieI can't understand why the rental companies let people rent these scooters wearing flip flops tank tops and shorts. If you are going to ride them you should also dress appropriately. I see people dressed like this all the time. I feel so bad for everyone involved. I always try to discourage people from renting them.
Are we this paralyzed as a
BLLB EDG.Are we this paralyzed as a country?....As a community? CLEARLY, something so basic is wrong; What does it say of us as a people that we value money over life time and time again?...Enough lawyer-ing, enough squabbling, enough therapy-by committee meetings; Change the laws, rules and permits that allow this farce to continue. We are all at fault for allowing this to continue. SPEAK UP, BE HEARD!
HUG A FIRST RESPONDER....
BLLB EDG.HUG A FIRST RESPONDER....
Amen!
Marcia Oak BluffsAmen!
People Know Darn Well how
Susan K EdgarrtownPeople Know Darn Well how dangerous they are and still insist on riding them so what are you gonna do? We cant stop people from doing what they insist on doing. They know the consequences.
I see many more mopeds playing and fooling around that I see them taking this serious with proper gear and proper serious riding.
I don't think a lot of these
Hugh Weisman Chilmark & New YorkI don't think a lot of these people have any idea of the potential dangers. They come to this "little" island for the day...mopeds are available and seem like a simple way to enjoy the island...they don't need a special license...off they go. They don't realize that they're sharing narrow roads with cars moving fairly fast, large trucks, sandy shoulders, etc. etc. Until they get hurt, things seem just fine. Mopeds are legal in Massachusetts and there are plenty of people who own them and use them responsibly, but rentals are another matter. No license is required beyond a driver's license. A quick introduction and safety demo by the rental agency and they're off. I certainly don't have a grasp of the legal issues involved, but it there should be an answer somewhere whether it being that the state allow local governments to make their own regulations on use of mopeds in their jurisdiction, refusing to license moped dealers, requiring rental surcharges that make it onerous to rent....I dunno, but this is a decades old issue that calls for a solution, NOW!
Maybe we should send the DEA
Anne Bennett VHMaybe we should send the DEA after the mopeds. It would make a lot more sense than going after the pot plants.
Brilliant.
Jane Norton ChilmarkBrilliant.
My heart goes out to all
Gabrielle West TisburyMy heart goes out to all involved. Mopeds need to be banned.Also I would like to see more advertising of bus routes and bike paths, sometimes I think people might not be aware of safer options.
Good point!
Ron Cisneros TisburyGood point!
Only on the Vineyard can we
Throwinitoutthere MVOnly on the Vineyard can we ban plastic shopping bags for their "impact", yet still allow the rental of mopeds. Shameful.
That's the best ( in a
Peter K. EdgartownThat's the best ( in a nutshell ) observation/comment from either papers ...
Bravo to this paper for
Tricia Wringrane Oak BluffsBravo to this paper for getting the facts correct
my wife and I visit Martha's
robert frank gouldsboro,pamy wife and I visit Martha's Vineyard every September. I don't like encountering mopeds while we are out sightseeing. I know it will be hard to ban their use, so only allow "ONE" rider per moped. "NO TANDOM RIDING".
i agree! Most moped operators
Mariei agree! Most moped operators have no experience. Having a passenger adds to the difficulty of an emergency maneuver.
Make Woods Hole Parking $5 a
MarieMake Woods Hole Parking $5 a day.
The lots make double money on the first day.
In view of the long
partime resident tisburyIn view of the long experience with bad moped trauma, it would be a good idea to correctly analyze the data base that exists on these accidents-- and go back a decade or so: i.e. when they happen (months/season, time of day), the cause of accident, the circumstances, age, one or two riders, etc...And do it now with results published. This way everyone is more informed and better choices regarding options for addressing the issue can be made at all levels.
I've been riding motorcycles
Norm V/HI've been riding motorcycles for 40 yrs ,started out on mini bikes ,then dirt bikes . When it came time to get on the road ,I had to get a learners permit. While riding on a permit your not allowed to carry a passenger or ride at night . So i don't understand how a person with little to no experience is allowed on the road ,and with a passenger. It's not the scooter that's the problem. for the most part it's the people riding them. you want to cut down on people getting killer or injured. Then get a law passed the requires a learners permit or a license while riding a scooter. it is still a motor vehicle being driven on the road that is able to travel at speeds of 35 to 40 mph .more then enough speed to get someone killed or injured . i have to be licensed and insured to be on the road and so should they. . My hope and prays for them and their family
Norm, I agree with you all
PETER K. Vineyard HavenNorm, I agree with you all the way. I have been riding for 47 years. I have some moped experience on Bermuda from a couple of years back, My wife and I were riding around the island. Despite my decades long two wheeling I found that these things are inherently unstable due to the small wheels and resulting lack of gyroscopic stability, plus the high center of gravity, especially with two riders. When a seasoned motorcycle operator feels uneasy on such a machine, how does one think a novice whose bicycle experience may be not existent or was back in early childhood can handle a moped. Any motorized vehicle operator on public roads should need training and a license.
It's not mopeds that kill
Steve FalmouthIt's not mopeds that kill people, it's people that drive mopeds that kill people
You must be the moped rental
SR WFYou must be the moped rental co. to make a comment as negative as that about a teenager
Let them ride! So what if
bubba edartownLet them ride! So what if there are a few accidents. People should have the choice. Why do you all feel the need to over protect. Bicycles, and cars crash, people fall off boats, maybe we should ban all of those as well.
The only way to solve this
Peter K. edgartownThe only way to solve this issue is to make state law require that mopeds are equal to motorcycles in their classification...
It is not mopeds that need to
Kathleen VhIt is not mopeds that need to be banned but 90% of people that rent mopeds should not be driving them. It is the responsibility of the rental companies to make sure the driver has the ability to drive them, knows the how to drive on vineyard roads (and the trickyness of the roads), and that they wear the proper gear (closed toe shoes etc.). In my opinion, you should have to have a motorcycle license to ride a moped. The rental companies need to smarten up and be more responsible and diligent to whom they rent mopeds to.
Prayers for these two young
DBar2015 E'townPrayers for these two young women. Many, many thanks to the amazing EMTs and first responders who did such an amazing job to stabilize both women and transport them to advanced emergency care. Well done and thank you.
So sad how these folks arrive
Andrew Sherborn, MASo sad how these folks arrive ready to have the time of their lives and explore one of the most beautiful places on earth, only to experience a nightmare. Maybe the sales guys pushing these rentals should be required to show photos of a moped accident scene to potential renters when reviewing the agreement. I know this sounds horrible, but at least they will truly understand the consequences of the decision before them. I've had a motorcycle license and even I wouldn't even get on one of those things. God bless all those who have been injured or worse and their families.
While I'm no fan of the
Edgartown Resident EdgartownWhile I'm no fan of the mopeds, why not ban the oversized trucks that are constantly running all over the Island, ignoring speed limits with uncovered loads? How about GPS tracking on the rambling wrecks called taxis here that have no idea of what a stop sign, bike crossing or crosswalk mean.
Of course, there's the biggest danger on the roads? The drunks. Every week the paper is filled with OUIs, yet...we keep opening more bars and liquor stores.
Might be nice if we narrowed the lanes and put shoulders on all of our roads as well.
I agree that mopeds should be
Joel KatamaI agree that mopeds should be banned however I will say that Barnes Rd has zero shoulder so with no margin it is especially dangerous for mopeds and drivers for that matter. Construction of a modest shoulder would make road safer.
Been saying for years that
Summah Dink JoiseyBeen saying for years that people should drive street legal, registered golf carts. They can do 30mph and get you where you need to go. Seat belts could be mandatory. Gas or electric versions are available.
Limit them to certain roads between towns so businesses aren't affected. Noise and traffic would improve, parking would be better.
Rental golf carts could have GPS to alert users if they try to enter a car only road.
Allow moped vendors to have first shot to rent them in return they stop renting mopeds.
And install oversized bumpers so if a crash happens it is minimal.
God bless the young ladies and the families of the injured.
That is a great idea!
QaThat is a great idea! Electric golf carts are clean and can be fitted with solar panels, have room for groceries and kids and are far more stable. Sign me up! I live here all year and I would be thrilled to dump my car for a golf cart in all but the coldest months. Would help create more parking, too! Bravo!
Has anyone thought to replace
Brenda Oak BlufffsHas anyone thought to replace moped rentals with motor assisted bicycles instead? They go slower & can use the bike paths (so way safer) and are still a good choice for someone without the stamina to ride a bike all over the island. But ban mopeds here for sure, they are a death trap -- especially as they are rented by those who are paying attention to the scenery and not the road, usually have no experience and require no special licensing like a motorcycle...
Suggested change: require a
Jennifer West TisburySuggested change: require a motorcycle license to be allowed to rent a moped.
Yeah, and while we're at it,
David oak bluffsYeah, and while we're at it, let's put more effective gun laws in place! People with guns who lose control kill a lot more people than modpedalists. Probably each has an equal chance of being enacted. :(
Mopeds will never be banned.
Susan EdgartownMopeds will never be banned. I don't see how the suggestion for a motorcycle requirement on the driver's license could be enforced. It is an interesting idea. People also rent bicycles and do not bicycle in a safe manner, but are not required "to pass" any sort of competency exam. Many Vineyard roads could be better maintained and perhaps enhanced for better safety of mopeds and bicyclists. Also, better warnings for both groups, on all the ferries and as handouts at rental shops.
In Maine, at an I-95 rest stop, there is a large sign indicating the number of moose/vehicle "encounters" each year. It is outside the restrooms where many see it.
So many lives lost and/or
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsSo many lives lost and/or altered by these vehicles...since we can't ban them, I ask those businesses who rent them to cease and desist. Please find another way to earn your living. This cannot go on. I know my request is way easier said than done but sometimes doing the right thing is hard. And I'm willing to bet there are business people and consumers who would support you if you decide to change....
Can't ban mopeds because they
Joanna ChilmarkCan't ban mopeds because they are vehicles? Nonsense. Change the law - take them out of the "vehicle" category. After all, the eleventh commandment is not "mopeds are vehicles".
Please ban moped rentals. No
Mo EdgPlease ban moped rentals. No fun is worth what these kids went through. And the truck driver, even though not his fault, will live with this horrific memory forever. Thinking of all those involved.
We all have known that
Darrell King EdgartownWe all have known that "MOPEDS ARE DANGEROUS" for many years; it is time to do something about it. AND there is a new problem: bicyclists who refuse to use the beautiful bike paths our tax dollars have paid for and insist on riding on the road next to the cars. Up-Island I understand they have no other option. But Down-Island they should NOT be riding in the road!
Have you riden the "beautiful
David oak bluffsHave you riden the "beautiful" bike paths lately? They are so badly pitted, bumpy, frost heaved, and generally wretched to ride on, its no wonder some cyclists ride on the road - which is much smoother and well maintained! You want people to ride on the bike paths? Repave them to the same condition as the roads! And get out of your speeding, polluting car and ride your bike! September is coming, when all the bike rentals go on sale. You can pick one up for $200 or so!
Prayers for a speedy recovery and acceptance of their new conditions, to the young women, and kudos to our first responders, as always.
And do some regulation of mopeds, somehow!
First of all best wishes for
Maureen Regan New YOrkFirst of all best wishes for a speedy recovery and thanks to the first responders. Like many on this site, I am in favor of banning mopeds on this island. The number of people who benefit from them financially and otherwise is minute compared to the danger and traffic problems they cause. This is a case where the needs of a very small minority should not supercede the majority of residents and guests on the island. Lets get rid of them once and for all!
First of all best wishes for
Maureen Regan New YOrkFirst of all best wishes for a speedy recovery and thanks to the first responders. Like many on this site, I am in favor of banning mopeds on this island. The number of people who benefit from them financially and otherwise is minute compared to the danger and traffic problems they cause. This is a case where the needs of a very small minority should not supercede the majority of residents and guests on the island. Lets get rid of them once and for all!
This is the 3rd Moped
Gay Head GuyThis is the 3rd Moped accident I've driven past in the past 2 weeks. The first was near the airport and there were 2 young woman lying on the side of the road with blood soaked towels covering each of their faces...horrific. I was in traffic at the Barnes Road accident and witnessed the chaos as people who stopped to help were running in circles in complete panic and shock....haunting.
These events are traumatic to witness and I can't begin to wonder how long the recovery process is going to be for the victims of these accidents. I'm sure some of the wounds will never fully heal and the loss of a leg to a young woman beginning her life is unthinkable.
I don't know the answer but I do know that the vast majority of these riders have little or no experience on a 2 wheel vehicle. Add to the mix the narrow, winding, sandy shouldered roads on the Island and it's a recipe for disaster. Perhaps the leaders of all the towns can hold a joint meeting and brain storm a solution and find a way to remove these vehicles from our roads. My thoughts are with the young women who's Iives were changed while vacationing on our little piece of paradise.
I would suggest that a
Russ Dalpe HopedaleI would suggest that a motorcycle license be required to ride a moped/scooter. That would eliminate 90% if it not more of the rentals and ultimately close the shops down.
Mopeds are very dangerous!
Mary T. Oak BluffsMopeds are very dangerous! Tourists riding them on our island roads is a recipe for disaster! Let's ban moped rentals now!
Good thoughts & prayers for the victims of this horrific tragedy.
.
Why not substitute mopeds
Jesse R NYWhy not substitute mopeds with Vespas or similar motor bikes that can go 45mph and keep up with traffic.
The problem with mopeds is they go too slow to drive with traffic yet are fast enough to get in lots of trouble in traffic.
Allow only 1 rider per unit, even installing one person seats to avoid cheating.
This way renters still have a business and the moped menace will be mostly abated.
If you cannot ban them , how
michael K RhodyIf you cannot ban them , how about putting a "governor" on the throttle. Setting the device so that no moped can travel faster than 25 miles per hour. Might help somewhat.
My thoughts go out to the two
mark Hampstead nhMy thoughts go out to the two girls involved in this accident. Those are life changing injuries and I hope they are both ok...I do have mixed feelings on the subsequent discussion. Full disclosure...I worked for a moped rental shop in OB many years ago thru high school and college during the summer. It was a great job and I can tell you that we were all trained very specifically on showing renters how to operate and ride mopeds safely and we always required a test run. On many occasion, we denied rental to those that we felt could not operate the vehicle safely. We did what we could. But once you sent them on their way...you just never knew for sure...Look..operating a moped is not rocket science and anyone who can ride a bike and is old enough to have a driver's license really ought to be able to handle a moped. This accident was horrible, but it couldve happened in a car or on a bike...as a point of reference, as a matter of fact, THE most serious injury that I remember in the 6 years I worked for the shop I was at happened to someone who had rented a bicycle. My point is, before we start vilifying the moped shop owners for renting death vehicles at the behest of making a quick buck, let's remember that by and large they do what they can to insure those that rent their machines can do so safel. But again...you just never know and nothing is foolproof, even to the most experienced operator. Maybe MV is too crowded now for mopeds, I don't know. All I'm saying is don't be too quick to blast the rental shop owners. They don't want anyone getting hurt any more than the rest of us. They do what they can but on a crowded, busy summer resort with narrow roads and sandy shoulders, anything can and does happen, whether on a moped, in a car,on a bike, or even on foot. These places also provide a valuable service to people with limited time to get around the island at their own pace...that translates into $$ for many island businesses and is a large part of what allows those business owners to provide for themselves and their families...summers are make or break for many and so before we call for laws that might hinder that endeavour, we ought to think more about that.
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