Wthout serious planning and active measures to reduce traffic, congestion on our roads will increase, and conflicts will become ever more intense.
As the tumult of summer slips back in our collective rearview mirror, the cooler, calmer air of early fall prompts some consideration of whether our Island quality of life — sometimes cynically marketed, but always sincerely valued — is under threat. Let’s leave the really heavy stuff — the almost impossibly complex challenges like climate change, housing shortages, and diversifying an economy overly reliant on the building, buying, and beautification of second homes — for another time, and just consider one issue that we can all agree is a problem: summer traffic.
Last week, in a commentary for the Gazette, Abigail McGrath lamented the sharp increase in drivers honking their horns, in particular those frustrated with her leisurely manner of driving. As far as I know, no one is collecting hard data on this (Would this be a raw number or ratio? Honks per mile, or beeps per minute?), but I’m willing to bet she’s right about the trend. The trouble is, someone else could have easily written an equally impassioned column criticizing some of the behavior Ms. McGrath exalts, in particular the bit about two drivers stopping in the road to have a conversation, while those delayed cheerily catch up on their reading. What is inconvenient, rude, or even dangerous is a matter of perspective.
What is clearer is that without serious planning and active measures to reduce traffic, congestion on our roads will increase, and these conflicts will become ever more intense. It’s not just that there are more summer tourists driving too fast; there are also more of them who sometimes drive too slow (or without a clear sense of purpose), more delivery vans making frequent stops, more landscapers with long trailers careening around turns, more parents taking kids to camp, and more year-rounders desperate to get to work on time. All these drivers have different goals, backgrounds, and expectations while they’re behind the wheel, creating the colorful mosaic of driving styles that makes our summer traffic so much more — interesting — than could be predicted from just the raw number of cars.
So what sort of active planning would the Vineyard Conservation Society advocate? Unfortunately, a long-term, deeper solution to our traffic nightmare can only be realized in the context of successfully addressing the broader issues I so casually dismissed at the top. A highly-seasonal tourist economy that specializes in rental homes located on single lots in a rural/suburban setting will always have a traffic problem in peak season. (I’m heading to New Hampshire next weekend, and I expect to see some fabulous traffic.)
But dispensing with the fatalism, our traffic situation could benefit from some triage measures. For example, increased funding to expand the routes and schedules of the VTA could help. Are there any parallels to the successful Menemsha sunset shuttle, which has done so much to alleviate a notorious traffic quagmire? Could the general idea that different times justify radically different levels of service be applied more broadly, i.e. extra beach and ferry shuttles on summer weekends? Expanding our network of bike lanes would be wonderful, especially up-Island, both for commuters and to increase the possibilities for visitors to reach their Island home without a car at all. Simply putting more bikes on the road, especially giant tour groups with a van in front and behind, doesn’t help anything, but bike trips that actually replace car trips are a crucial part of the solution.
However, in addition to these helpful but expensive measures, there is a partial solution to our summer traffic problem just sitting there, right under our noses. Last month, the Steamship Authority took out a full-page ad on the back of the Gazette asking for public feedback on their new operating schedule. One line, itself probably not intended to be commented upon, really caught our attention at VCS:
“During peak travel times unscheduled trips may be added to meet traffic demands.”
We all know what this means: bringing more cars over on Friday and Saturday, and taking them back on Sunday and Monday. Now, with no offense intended to the good folks at Pie in the Sky, Quicks Hole Tavern, or (when things truly go badly) the Sands of Time, no one denies that spending some extra time in Woods Hole is an inconvenience, unexpected expense, and/or disappointment. But adding extra ferry runs at times of peak demand is obviously going to increase traffic on the Island at exactly the time of maximum traffic. Is it worth it? The answer might depend on whether it’s Friday and you’re standing by the car wondering if you’ll make it to the Vineyard that night, or Saturday morning, and you’re sitting in a three-mile backup wondering if you’ll make it to the farmers’ market before it ends. But it’s a question worth asking.
It should be stressed that increased automobile trips on the ferry is not the sole, or probably even the primary cause of our worsening summer traffic. We are not blaming the SSA for the problem; in fact, we are the problem, with our increasing population, larger cars and SUVs, and greater affluence allowing more cars per household. But the SSA does have the ability to help us do something about it: reducing, or at least holding steady, total auto capacity should be a serious consideration. Simply choosing not to add extra unscheduled trips to meet peak demand would be a good start.
Truly solving our summer traffic problem is a grand challenge that will require intense planning, compromise, and sacrifice — and even then it may be impossible. But to just make things a little bit better next summer, we don’t have to build new roads or buy more buses; rather than asking the towns to do more, it might be more reasonable to ask the Steamship Authority to do less.
Jeremy Houser is a biologist and staff member of the Vineyard Conservation Society.
Comments
The traffic that we have
David Whitmon Oak BluffsThe traffic that we have increasingly seen in years past and the worst to date this past Summer is reminiscent of when I moved to the Vineyard from Washington DC over 33 years ago. The constant sound of moving motor vehicles on pavement and orange skies from light pollution is what I left in DC and is what has seemingly followed me here.
Traffic and self induced congestion. It brings out the worst in people. The behaviors that I've seen displayed by a great many of the motoring public this past summer was horrid at best. Seeing such behaviors it is clear to me that to obtain a license to operate a motor vehicle is far too easy. The one person to one motor vehicle is a failed concept. Building by passes, roundabouts and adding more ferries so as to accommodate more traffic is liken to buying a bigger pair of pants and calling it a cure for obesity.
We are doing it to ourselves.
Some of the problem can be
Karen Berwick Orange, CT & Edgartown, MASome of the problem can be fixed by correcting som bad intersections like what was done at "the blinker". The 5 way intersection in Vineyard Haven is down right dumb and an option to cut off near Granite to head towards Katama would clean up the Edgartown bottle jam. I also agree strongly adding more and more bike paths yearly is a plus in many ways. It is very attractive to visitors and this island depends on their money. Funny... the bike paths are not always maintained and groomed as they should be... and they are such an asset.
I concur with the feeling
Deanna Laird EdgartownI concur with the feeling that this last summer, traffic felt 2x more then in past summers.
My suggestion is to up the SSA rates (like Nantucket) from the mainland - only ticket those staying longer than a week and demand more use of our VTA and bike paths...
The author seems to adopt a
Eddie Mac North NoepeThe author seems to adopt a selfish isolationist attitude about our island. Perhaps typical of a conservationist. Does he realize the impact
of seasonal traffic on the year round economy of the island ? Reducing it has a profound effect on everything we buy.
Further, Houser, seems to gloss over some of the reasons for slow traffic and a cacophony of car horns...........the dreaded Mopeds !
The source of many accidents already these slow and wavering vehicular beasts are a huge source of frustration for four wheel motorists.
Many seasonal Mopedders are here because they can’t get a car reservation which is far cheaper but much more dangerous that a
lollygogging and road meandering two wheeler. Better a few more ferries in summer than more Moped fatalities and lost limbs that we regretfully see each year.
That's an interesting point
Jeremy HouserThat's an interesting point about the mopeds. No doubt a couple words on mopeds could have been squeezed into that "more of everything" paragraph. I personally don't like them either, and there's no doubt they contribute to traffic. That said, VCS doesn't have a position on mopeds because it's not primarily an environmental or conservation issue (or at least not a clear-cut one, there are environmental positives and negatives there). I'm also skeptical that increasing the number of cars on the ferry would reduce mopeds (or vice versa), but I do understand your argument. The counterpoint would be that some number of moped rentals surely go to people who also have a car -- they just rented the thing for fun.
Yes traffic was intense but
John Alley West TisburyYes traffic was intense but as I recall Vineyarders a few years back rejected several suggestions on how to minimize the daily impact but could not agree with themselves. I trust our Represenative he has listened to sound concerns from the Vineyard and made it happen. I have found Woods Hole folks for the most part understanding of the problem and have pitched in to support our lifeline. I remember my father having to pay in addition to his property taxes an additional amount to support SSA operation, required by law, when New Bedford was the most active port.
This past summer, I drove Up
JT EdgartownThis past summer, I drove Up-Island on a nice day and I was amazed at how easy it was to navigate all the way to Aquinnah, take a ride over to Lobsterville, Moshup Rd, etc. And as I looked around, I realized why it was so empty and that's because every road has parking restrictions and is limited to residents. I agree it gets congested during peak hours of the day around the triangle, State Beach and other areas nearby. But if the up-island towns allowed and accommodated more tourists as well as residents of other towns to park for the day, maybe we could all spread out more and ease the pains during the day. Or maybe Edgartown and OB should restrict their beaches to residents too...
I haven't driven up island in
MarieI haven't driven up island in years. No where to stop. They really discourage visitors.
I thought that they deserved to have a casino.
The Vineyard has the same
Dave Achelis NYCThe Vineyard has the same problem with traffic that New York City does. Rich developers do whatever the hell they want and to bad if you don't like it...
There are other ways to
Summer Visitor MAThere are other ways to accommodate summer visitors that would lessen their dependence on autos. How about providing chair and umbrella rentals at the beach? And a food truck or two? If people could get to the beach without having to lug equipment and coolers maybe they'd be more willing to take the bus or bike to the beach. Nantucket does it, Maine does it too.
I like it! We need more
Jeremy HouserI like it! We need more creative thinking to balance our human needs with environmental impacts, and maybe you can even create a new business or two in the process.
Cars aren't necessary to a
Mary AnnCars aren't necessary to a successful economy. Go to other countries where they don't drive any cars but use only bicycles. What about more public transportation that actually works to serve the economy? Hasn't anyone seen the state of the world's environment? This is one little Island. If we can't work this out, how are we supposed to save the Planet. People, come together.
How many extra cars are we
Trish EdgartownHow many extra cars are we talking about vs the ones already on island during the busy months? Not sure the extra ferries would be contributing that much more to the existing issue. Vacationers don't like sitting in traffic anymore then the year rounders getting to work. They're on vacation! Most would rather walk or bike and skip driving the car. They'd also rather take a shuttle if they knew more about it, if it were affordable, and easy to use! Friends always ask me how to use the shuttle, where are the stops, etc. Lets get the word out. Food trucks and umbrellas/chair rentals would help too as you can't fit all that on a bike or onto the shuttle! And yes! Let's focus on better bike paths, and traffic patterns that reroute people to the beaches but away from congested town areas, and maybe even rerouting cars coming off the ferry as good ways to start too. These would positively impact the driving experience year round, not just in July and August.
I've been a Vineyard visitor
Visitor from MarylandI've been a Vineyard visitor for a couple of decades, and never quite happy with the experience. Why? Because at home (in DC) I can walk, cycle or take a bus nearly everywhere I need to go. But when I get to Chilmark, I'm forced into a car to go to the beach, to get groceries ... really, to do almost anything. The buses are infrequent, and a long walk from the house where I stay near Middle Rd. Cycling is terrifying without dedicated bicycle lanes. And nothing is close enough to reach on foot unless you're a dedicated walker, in which case you can get to the Chilmark Store.
I wish, every summer, that I could leave my car behind. But if I did that, I'd be trapped. So my suggestions are:
- Encourage a full-sized grocery store to open way up-island, at least during the summer. Be sure to include a pharmacy.
- Expand bike lanes so that, as on Nantucket, a car isn't a necessity.
- Expand the VTA during the summer, including both frequency and routes. (And be sure to allow bicycles to be affixed to the front of the bus; those hills can be exhausting on the way home.)
The grandparents love the Vineyard, so I'll keep coming over, but I'll keep bringing my car. Help me out, please! But it's okay if you don't; once the grandparents are gone, in the fullness of time, I won't have a reason to come back.
Anyone who thinks that more
island girl WTAnyone who thinks that more cars (and more people) equal a better economy is delusional and misguided. If folks from Edgartown think that the up-island roads aren't crowded that is because in comparison to down-island I suppose they do seem uncrowded. They are, however, almost beyond bad by any standard. The Farmer's Market in WT has traffic stretching back a mile or so in several directions. Just FYI Many folks who own houses here do not visit in the summer; they rent their houses and make a bundle (most of which ends up in their off-island bank/community, not ours). They come in the shoulder season when they can move around and enjoy the island. They comment on how miserable trying to shop down-island, go to the beach, or just attend a concert or event is because of the traffic. We all know that there are too many people, too many cars here during the summer while a good deal of the money leaves the island because many business and rental home owners are not year round residents. We need more bike paths and lanes, and alternative ways for folks to get around on their daily routines, and people need to use the bike paths and lanes (perhaps not perfectly maintained but a lot better that many off-island roads, so passable). Many seasonal home owners bring over cars and leave them here (the reverse of leaving a car on the other side by islanders who need to travel) and too few use the buses to commute. Sunset Hour buses in Chilmark are not as successful as they might be either -- it still is a very crowded scene although the user numbers are slowly rising. Sunset hour is over rated too -- the sun goes down everywhere, why do people have to clap? Fewer private jets would also be nice but cars brought over by the SSA are the subject, and yes, we need to throttle back on the numbers.
Well said Island Girl and
David Oak BluffsWell said Island Girl and very much to the point. Many of the same things were stated when cites throughout Europe began banning motor vehicles and turning gridlocked, air polluted streets into car free malls. Huge car free malls. The businesses clamored loudly that they would go out of business. They didn't go out of business. Business boomed. It was a complete success and it still is.
Nothing has had as detrimental an impact on this Island as has the personal motor vehicle. Every intersection was impacted this past Summer. Traffic was up 7.5% to 8% from last year. Every nook and cranny was jammed up with parked motor vehicles. Our Lovely Island Villages were an eyesore with the multitude of motor vehicles.
An expansion to all of our bicycle facilities is in order. We need to bring all existing Multi User Paths (Bike Paths) up to a level of safety and design as called for by the Federal Highway Administration and MassDOT. None of the Vineyard Bike Paths meet these standards. We also need to educate the motoring public in how to interact with cyclists.
We need to make it exceedingly harder to get around via personal motor vehicles and exceedingly easier to get around with alternative modes of transportation. We are already achieving the exceedingly harder part to the detriment of us all.
We need to move forward.
I am a seasonal homeowner and
MarieI am a seasonal homeowner and I always bring a car. I use the bike paths for walking but otherwise drive to town or the store and the beach. Everything is not walkable. If I take a bus it will bring me to the transit center in town, then I would need to switch to go to Oak Bluffs. There is no bus system that would get me to the Land Bank properties that I like to visit. I do not want to spend hours traveling and switching busses.
I have never driven anywhere to watch the sunset but it is great that some do. And it is wonderful that they clap for the greatest show on earth. It sounds like a fun and social activity for many. Up Island travel seems to be discouraged by many here. Why should that part of the Island be off limits? Open it up, meet new people. Don't always try to fence people out.
How about widening Edgartown
Steve S NYCHow about widening Edgartown/VH road around the triange, and included a high occupancy lane? Or designating certain roads in town as high occupancy (2+? 3+?) on peak times/weekends?
More bike lanes up island sounds great - Middle Road gets busier every year.
How about taxing cars some how - if you don't want to put a toll/EZ pass up at chokepoints, you could designate some parking for stickered cars only? Use the funds to support the VTA?
I'd also like to see Enterprise Car Share and Zipcar park cars on-island (if they aren't there already).
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