It is a perfectly human and compassionate reaction to the deaths on livery cycles of two visitors in the last two weeks to want to do something ? anything ? to prevent any more deaths.

Two families have been shattered by these events. And while all lives are precious, there is something particular horrifying about the fact that these women came to Bermuda with their husbands on vacation, with every expectation that they would be safe.

In inviting visitors into our home, Bermuda makes that promise. It offers hospitality, relaxation and fun. It does not ask people to risk life and limb. And yet that is what has happened now, not once, but twice in one fortnight.

Government is quite correct to be demanding a quick and thorough investigation into the causes of the deaths of Rosemary Bigelow and Linda Inman.

The Island owes it to their husbands and families, and Bermuda owes it to the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Island each year. The Island has an obligation to ensure they are as safe as possible.

However, it is important that this tragedy is kept in perspective. The sudden occurrence of two deaths in such a short time obscures the fact that visitors? deaths on Bermuda?s roads are relatively rare. That does not make it right, but it is worth keeping in mind.

What may be of equal concern is the large number of visitors who end up as guests of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital or return home with a road rash souvenir.

Still, statistics on the number of road-related injuries are hard to obtain. Any examination of the risks that visitors on the roads face must include not only the number of deaths, but the number of injuries.

And an examination is needed. Bermuda needs to again review the question of whether it makes sense to license rental bikes. The roads are busier than ever and courtesy, especially to visitors, is declining.

At the same time, today?s rental scooters are more powerful than in the days of the Mobylette ands this makes them more dangerous in the hands of inexperienced drivers, many of whom are having to concentrate more on making their way through unfamiliar surroundings and keeping on the left hand side of the road than on safety.

The problem is what would replace rental bikes if they were banned.Golf carts, Smart cars and electric cars would all add to the Island?s already congested roads and parking areas.

The other alternative is to make rental requirements more stringent and to increase the availability of affordable public transport.

All of these possibilities need to be investigated. They cannot be at the meeting planned for this Friday. That, rightly, must look into the exact causes of the deaths of Mrs. Bigelow and Mrs. Inman, and to try to rectify any immediate problems that may have arisen.

But a longer term review of the safety of rental bikes ? and the need for a fresh road safety campaign for all of Bermuda?s road users ? needs to be undertaken. That is what the Island can do for the families of those who came on holiday and failed to return home alive.