The article calls it a "prank".

[donnambr]

I thought "pranks" were things like ringing a doorbell and running off. I guess that's a wimpy 20th Century one. Here's one for the new millenium.

[rheidis73]

I thought "pranks" were things like ringing a doorbell and running off. I guess that's a wimpy 20th Century one. Here's one for the new millenium.

A prank? Whatever! I think they should have used a better word for that one.

[Kitsune06]

People have no appreciation at all for bikers... ugh!

[salsabike]

If it were my local paper, I'd be writing a letter to the editor real soon. I would also try to call the reporter. We have to do what we can to educate those folks.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Well, that article certainly rubbed me the wrong way. I used the "contact us" link on that web site, and sent the following to the general manager:

I was appalled to read this story on your website: http://www.local6.com/news/9706172/detail.html

Referring to an individual shooting a cyclist by saying that the cyclist "...found himself the target of pranksters" is a very poor description. The young man who took it upon himself to shoot any type of gun at another individual should have to pay for his actions, yet this story is told as if it was a normal occurrence. I hope that the individual with the gun has been identified and arrested. And I hope that in the future your organization will be more careful with your descriptions of occurrences like this one.

I suspect my email won't make any difference at all, but maybe the message will hit home.

--- Denise

[salsabike]

Thank you, Denise, for inspiring me to imitate you. This is what I emailed to their news director:


There are cyclists all over the country seeing the below article and wondering why on earth you would call this a "prank". It's assault, and really dangerous. I think you should print an apology to your readers for poor reporting on this one.

[Deborajen]

I just sent an e-mail to the News Director also. Good idea sharing the link for that story. Maybe getting feedback from several parts of the country will help emphasize how unappreciated that kind of poor reporting can be.

Deb