Letter to the Editor
08-13-05 | 07:09 AM
#1
Thread Starter
The Improbable Bulk
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,379
Likes: 7
From: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Bikes: Many
Letter to the Editor
I sent a letter to the editor after an incident last week, and it was published in this morning's paper.
I know it won't accomplish much, but hopefully at least one person in the Wilkes-Barre area will drive a little safer around cyclists.
https://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...d=456223&rfi=6
I read another thread about wanting to teach drivers to pass cyclists safely. I think I may start a campaign to get that done in some way. Perhaps a booth at a local fair will be a first step.
I know it won't accomplish much, but hopefully at least one person in the Wilkes-Barre area will drive a little safer around cyclists.
https://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...d=456223&rfi=6
I read another thread about wanting to teach drivers to pass cyclists safely. I think I may start a campaign to get that done in some way. Perhaps a booth at a local fair will be a first step.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nice way of telling the community what is going on
08-13-05 | 08:41 AM
#3
Burnt Orange Blood
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Dripping Springs, Texas
Bikes: Trek 7200, Lashout Electric Bike, Raleigh Talon
Congratulations on getting your letter published! If each of us took the time to write such a letter when these events occur, maybe WE will be the education campaign.
08-13-05 | 09:42 AM
#4
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
I would only have changed it in this manner:
You said: "Even if we ignore the legal rights granted by the state, the slight inconvenience that is occasionally experienced by motorists as they wait for a safe place to pass is far less inconvenient, and far safer than if I ride down a sidewalk trying to avoid pedestrians."
I would have said: Even if we ignore the legal rights granted by the state, the slight inconvenience that is occasionally experienced by motorists as they wait for a safe place to pass is far less inconvenient, then the time one waits for an elevator or stoplight."
Even suggesting that it would be more convenient for them if you rode on a sidewalk... doesn't seem like a good idea to me.
You said: "Even if we ignore the legal rights granted by the state, the slight inconvenience that is occasionally experienced by motorists as they wait for a safe place to pass is far less inconvenient, and far safer than if I ride down a sidewalk trying to avoid pedestrians."
I would have said: Even if we ignore the legal rights granted by the state, the slight inconvenience that is occasionally experienced by motorists as they wait for a safe place to pass is far less inconvenient, then the time one waits for an elevator or stoplight."
Even suggesting that it would be more convenient for them if you rode on a sidewalk... doesn't seem like a good idea to me.
08-13-05 | 10:02 AM
#5
Great letter, Darwin. I thought it was well written and your argument was clear and concise.
I hope it makes an impression on motorists who might read your letter and take it to heart.
Keep up the good work, I admire your conviction and desire to edify your community.
I hope it makes an impression on motorists who might read your letter and take it to heart.
Keep up the good work, I admire your conviction and desire to edify your community.
08-13-05 | 10:46 AM
#6
No Rocket Surgeon
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 6
From: Corona and S. El Monte, CA
Bikes: Cannondale D600, Dahon Speed T7
Excellent letter.
Most people never take the time to write.
Longhorn is right on the money. Let's start writing civilized letters to the editor!
Most people never take the time to write.
Longhorn is right on the money. Let's start writing civilized letters to the editor!
08-13-05 | 05:59 PM
#8
Dominatrikes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 0
From: Still in Santa Barbara
Bikes: Catrike Pocket, Lightning Thunderbold recumbent, Trek 3000 MTB.
Hear hear! And looks like they printed every word of it, too. Great letter. I agree. We should all write more letters like that. I plan to write one to our local columnist who writes about community stuff too. It's one thing if drivers want to call the cops on cyclists, or even simply tell us we ride badly. But it's another thing the way they risk our lives to "tell us off" with the unsafe operation of their trucks and tanks. I for one am fed up.
08-13-05 | 06:10 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,251
Likes: 4
From: Newark, CA. San Francisco Bay Area
That's a good letter. Please keep us posted as to any "replies". 
08-14-05 | 05:04 PM
#10
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
Likes: 1,864
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
As a frequent letters-to-the-editor writer, I applaud your excellent epistle, Darwin!
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
