BIKE: Statesman Editorial: Cyclists: Be Careful

[A. Gelfand]

My problem isn't so much on the letter but on lopsided coverage by the 
Statesman, which, I recall, has yet to publish the big story on why 
bicycling is legitimate transportation and why cyclists deserve as much 
courtesy on the road as other vehicle operators.

I take enough crap from other motorists and from the government officials 
I'm trying to convince to make a bicycle transportation plan in Round Rock. 
So I get scared every time another dangerous cyclist letter or article gets 
printed, with no other positive news to balance it out.

Further, I don't want hike and bike trails,; I want decent access on decent 
roads. If sharing a hike and bike trail has so much conflict, then why is 
my city disposing of any plans to encourage road access for bikes while 
designing a grand master plan to build a massive trail system I won't be 
able to use efficiently (or at all if they're not paved properly or are 
rammed with walkers)? What I'm hearing constantly in general is that no one 
wants slow bikes on the road or "speeding cyclists" on the paths.

I apologize for venting my spleen, but I am fed up. I follow the law and 
yet bear the responsibility for other cyclists who don't. Not so with my 
car. Am I even allowed to make a mistake driving my bike without being yet 
another proof case against cycling, because it doesn't seem so. It's an old 
story, I know, but I'm very, very frustrated. So please accept my criticism 
with a grain of salt and an understanding of where I'm coming from.

Thanks,
Amy