by Howard Barbour

Special to the Sounder

Deer Harbor now has a Ride Share Bench. The Deer Harbor Community Club donated funds to purchase the bench, which is located on the pathway along the east side of Deer Harbor Road, near the intersection with Channel Road.

The bench and recently constructed foot paths are the realization of a goal from the Deer Harbor Hamlet Plan—part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Many people arrive in Deer Harbor by sea plane or on private boats, and walk to area destinations. That is now easier since the community received two grants to build a system of pathways in the hamlet. Completed last fall, the pathways link the congested hub of Deer Harbor to many businesses and attractions throughout the community.

However, getting from Deer Harbor to the rest of the island without a car is sometimes challenging. With the hitchhiker bench installed, people seeking rides have a safe place off the roadway to thumb a ride, and drivers can easily see if there is anyone sitting on the bench seeking one.