Infuriating article

[Antaresia]

oooo, maybe if get bored on the weekend I'll send him a reply. His e-mail is at the bottom, glenn@thenewsobserver.com

What an inconsiderate weasel. If someone is too incompetent to drive a car without hitting anyone, the problem isn't with the person they hit...

reminds me a classmmate of mine, a long time ago. Every once in a while you'd hear him yell "stupid computer!", no matter what computer he was on. You'd think after a while he'd realize it's not the computer....

[pll]

If you write, you should write to the publication with the intent of getting the letter published. Glenn Harbison, publisher, is, evidently, a caveman. Point him to the Georgia code (http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/Default.asp).

For example, § 40-6-291 part (b) states that "any person operating a bicycle may ride upon a paved shoulder; provided, however, that such person shall not be required to ride upon a paved shoulder."

Unless riding a bike on Highway 5 near Blue Ridge is forbidden, the cyclist he encountered had a right to be there. The only aspect in which he is right, is that camouflage is the not wisest choice of clothing to be visible.

ETA: Better to send the letter to the "letters to the editor" address: letters@thenewsobserver.com

[Koronin]

Unfortunately there are those kinds everywhere even in tourist beach towns where bicycle rentals are one of the largest businesses in the area.

[Mr. Bloom]

My response to him. I'll let you know if I hear back...

Sir,

Like you, I drive cars. Unlike you, I ride bikes.

Like you, I have opinions. Unlike you, mine are rooted in an understanding of the law and a sense of common responsibility.

In response to a few comments you expressed:
- "Suddenly, out of nowhere, there was a guy riding a bicycle": Sir, the bicycle was already there. It was you, the faster vehicle, that came out of nowhere. IF THE BICYCLE WAS A SURPRISE TO YOU, YOU WERE FOLLOWING THE OTHER TRAFFIC TOO CLOSELY AND GOING TOO FAST. Your own words convict you!

- "The bicyclist was on the traffic side of the white line. He was in the way.": Yes sir, that's where he belongs according to Georgia Code 40-6-294. The shoulder is not a roadway; it is not maintained the same way. The bike was in the place proven safest. Your concern seems to be more rooted in a practice of inattentive driving habits.

- "Highways were built to carry motorists at high rates of speed.". Really? Check your history: the League of American Bicyclists was FOUNDED 9 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CAR WAS INVENTED (probably 30 years before the first car arrived in Georgia) to lobby for good and safe roads accessible to all. MY TAX DOLLARS support the maintenance of those roads too!

- "Innocent motorists stand to pay a life-long price.". Sir, you were driving a 4,000 pound truck - a dangerous weapon! *If you do not drive conservatively and alertly, you are ANYTHING BUT INNOCENT! *If you injure someone, the responsibility is yours.

In short, while I respect your opinion, the laws, history, and your own words contradict your position.

Sincerely,
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

[murielalex]

^ love it.

[Tri Girl]

^ love it.

+ a million!
Well put, Mr. Bloom (I'm not good at well-worded responses- but this is a gem).

[lovelygamer]

Fabulous response to that article!!