THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2008
Letters To Our Editor
Mutual Respect, Mutual Safety
Editor, Journal:
We applaud the millions of Illinois drivers who willingly share the road with bicyclists. They safely pass bicyclists on the road with three feet or more of space, which is now the law in Illinois and nine other states. Most drivers show the utmost respect, follow all the traffic laws and yield the right of way.
Many drivers also show their support by smiling and waving when they see bicyclists on the road. These drivers help make bicycling safe and fun for us all and provide encouragement for others to take up bicycling as well.
The vast majority of Illinois drivers donít think it necessary to honk their horns, shout ìget off the road,î shake their fists or drive perilously close to bicyclists to intimidate them. They know this behavior can lead to road rage, crashes, injuries and even fatalities. Some drivers try to justify their aggressive actions by pointing out that bicyclists flaunt traffic laws, run red lights and stop signs and ride three or more abreast while impeding the reasonable flow of traffic.
There is no argument that some bicyclists do fail to follow traffic laws, which reflects badly on the entire bicycling community. If we as bicyclists want to be accepted on the road by more drivers, then we have to be good citizens on our bikes as well. Mutual respect means mutual safety.
Dean Schott
Outreach Director
League of Illinois Bicyclists
Glenview
Great Job Spreading The News
Editor, Journal:
I want to thank the Journal for its continuous support of the Glenview Lions Club and the outstanding job done by Lloyd Kuehn in designing the ads that maximize the impact in getting our message out to the community.
The "Eyeglass Recycle" ads alone helped increase our eyeglass intake 500%. This helps 1,000-plus people get eyeglasses in remote areas of the world that would never get them otherwise. Thank you again!
Terrence Dooley
Secretary
Glenview Lions Club