Politics and cycling

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Originally Posted by derailed

[I]

I don't believe that assaultive behaviors towards fellow citizens are particularly responsible actions. If these things were done to young people walking to class, someone would be arrested. As a cyclist, I know I must accept being assaulted and abused.

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I would be more assertive with this concern. Something like "Assaultive behaviors towards fellow citizens should never be tolerated...As a cyclist, I should not have to accept being assaulted and abused." You don't have to be so concerned with being "polite" that you accept abuse.

I just returned from a day of talking to my state legislators in the capitol--something I do quite regularly. The more to the point you can be, the better. I also think it would be in your interest to end with a direct request that the legislator can actually do, such as "Please support complete streets: streets that are safe and functional for cars, bikes, buses, and pedestrians."

I would take out the part about carbon fiber.

I think the most important things is to emphasize his wrong thinking about bike paths.

I'd go further with strengthening your assertion about "assaultive behaviors" and state simply:
Assault is a crime and must not be tolerated.

I would take out assault and carbon fiber and go with the figures (you'd have to do the research, it's on LAB) that something like an incredible 60% or somesuch of driving in the US is within 8 or so miles of home, an ideal distance for cycling. And that most people say they'd prefer to walk or drive.

To get 60% (or whatever the figure is) more roads give us safe routes to ride. We'll stay off yours ... mostly.

I think the construction industry or whatever lobby has him in their back pocket does not care whether they build bike lanes or bike overpass or highways as long as it pays the same :cool:

Send him the picture of this hearty soul riding home in the snow storm tonight. Tell him to make sure there's funding to get the path cleared as well. This kid probably beat me home...

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/snowbike.jpg



Also, you can go to your representative's official website and submit concerns electronically.

My online editing skills are pretty poor and it's becoming sloppy. Sorry about that. I tried to do the strike through thing.

Thank you all for the wonderful hints and suggestions. I will be using them.

Good luck! may you write many, many more letters! It's the way our hired public servants find out what we are thinking.