BIKE: chronicle alert

[Mike Dahmus]

The following letter is appearing in online postmarks; will probably be 
printed. I can't respond, since I already have a letter going in this 
week (not sure about print edition).

If anybody responds, I'd encourage you to keep it grounded in reality - 
talk about the fact that most roads (and all roads around here that get 
bike lanes) are paid for out of property and sales taxes, not gas taxes.

here's the letter:

Dear Editor,
I'm so tired of all the bitching and moaning by the bicyclists in this 
town wanting bike lanes and car-free areas. My response – when 
bicyclists start /paying/ a road-use tax, as auto drivers do. When 
bicyclists are required to have a license to operate their vehicle 
(meaning you have knowledge of road use, i.e., you sit in line at a 
traffic light like everyone else ). Then, maybe, bike lanes would be 
more acceptable to others. Until the time comes when bicyclists pay for 
the use of the roads, go cry elsewhere for your bike lanes.

- James Beitman


and here's the link:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gbase/Community/Postmarks





(respond after thursday if it shows up in print, I'd suggest)


- MD