Anti-commuter editorial in INDY star

[leapfrog]

i responded to this stupid editorial and hopefully it gets printed. i just basically said that roads were initially paved for cyclists needs not cars so that debunks the whole myth that roads were made for cars not bikes.
then i went on to say that people riding their bikes in the streets aren't necessarily "recreating" but most likely commuting. blah blah, youknow what im saying.

scott
leapfrog bike zine

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Bicyclists, walkers should stay off roads

December 11, 2002

This responds to Jim Tanksley's Dec. 3 letter to the editor, "Some major roads lack pedestrian paths."

Yes, many major Indiana roadways are in terrible condition, but it's not because there aren't sidewalks. The roads are in horrible condition because there are so many potholes and cracks in the roads themselves. I would rather have the state use our hard-earned tax dollars repairing the roads than making new sidewalks.


People walking and biking on the sides of roads (or even sidewalks on the sides of roads) are not only dangers to themselves but potentially harmful to drivers as well. Roads were made for cars, not bicyclists, not walkers. These complainers need to go recreate safely in the parks that have been bought and made for that very reason.

Kimber D. Fodge

Camby

[LoneBiker]

That one upsets me, but here in Indiana thats the stereotype of most of the drivers. Kokomo has bad roads too, and bad drivers, but if you follow basic safety and road rules youre usually fine. It really is sad that most people thing roads are for cars.

[leapfrog]

so i got my first letter to the editor printed in todays issue of the indianapolis star. it was my rebuttal to the piece i printed above. score one for the commuters.

scott
leapfrog bike zine

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Roads not just for cars, they're for bikes, too

December 22, 2002

This is in response to Kimber Fodge's Dec. 12 letter urging cyclists to "recreate in parks" and not on the streets.

As Indiana law rightfully states, bicycles have all the rights and responsibilities that cars do when traveling on city streets. History even shows that paved roads were brought about by the petitioning of cyclists who needed smoother roads to travel on; this debunks the myth that "roads are for cars, not bikes."


What Fodge may misunderstand is that cyclists riding on the roads may not just be recreating but may be commuting from place to place. Roads are the most efficient areas to do this as well as the designated paths of travel.

When it comes to issues of safety and environmental sustainability, we should be addressing the impact automobile travel has upon our cities and citizens rather than displacing the blame to bicycles.

Indianapolis has recently been making positive changes to its transportation infrastructure in order to make travel for bicycles and pedestrians safer. I applaud its efforts.

Scott Spitz

Indianapolis

[Goride]

Nice work.

-brad

[riderx]

Scott -

Well written letter. It helps to use facts and keep your cool when trying to address these less enlightened folks. Your letter did both things quite well.

Ride on.

[LoneBiker]

Definately nice reply. If shit like this isnt responded to, it becomes common knowledge fact to the general sheep like mass population.

[The Gordo]

Nice reply Scott. It's fortunate that a nice level headed punk rocker like yourself replied to this miscreant. It comes off much more intelligent than:

Dear Asswipe!

I will wait for you to be stuck in traffic in your little metal box. I will bunny hop onto your hood, kick in your windsheild, steal your beer and set fire to your dumb ass with kerosene!

Aces:
Scurvy Bike Punk

[Andy in Wi]

Yeah, Scott has a way with words.
Andy's reply:

Bewarned! You are dealing with hoards of biking ninja, who, in secrecy, have thrived for over one century. It is us who brought paved roads so that we could travel further, faster, and safer in stealth. We will track you to the ends of the earth and will bring horrible, unspeakable, and swift punishment upon your head. Save face for you and your family by using the wasabi we have enclosed to commit seppuku.

The ninja clan of the single chainring

PS- certain death can be avoided at anytime by sending 96 bottles of premium beer to us.

[timber]

you guys are in my old stomping grounds! when i lived in indy i used to commute everyday. i worked in the bodyshop at tom wood mazda/gmc. the other shop guys would try to give me grief over riding a bike to work everyday, at 1st they thought i had a dui! but since i worked i a body shop all i had to do was point out all the crashed up cars that came through there and make my point. i even raced one guy home who was always talking smack about his mustang, from TW's on washington st to the shopping cenet at post rd and I70. i won by several minutes. i hope evrything works out for you guys over there. im in bloomington (il) now and ride 10mi eachway though the country, which kind of sux due to the traffic blowing by at 55+mph. granted i dont ride everyday any more though.