intestines and bloody steel is to ride to the right, signal clearly and light up at night. As a bicycle enthusiast, however, I take these precautions only to survive on roads made for automobiles. For Shepherd to suggest that bicycles should behave politely because they are vehicles like cars ignores the reality that not all vehicles are created equal. Cyclists accommodate cars as a matter of life and death, and recognize that we share the road on unequal terms. Cars are faster, heavier and less maneuverable than bicycles — and there are a lot more of them on the road. Whether or not he or she follows the rules, a cyclist will always have more to lose when an absentminded driver pulls a fast right turn. Accidents happen even when a bike rider is doing everything “correctly.” Drivers get frustrated when cyclists cause them to slow down, take caution and maybe wind up a little late. Cyclists have much more at stake. I don’t believe that reckless riders are the reason that drivers toss their trash at cyclists. [But] there is no excuse for sloppy, dangerous road rage. If Shepherd is to generalize and condemn all the “folks like Mr. Craig” [Christopher Craig, author of “Finding Equilibrium,” a Dec. 9, 2009 Xpress commentary], perhaps he should also indict each and every motorist for endangering those on two wheels. An ignorant driver is playing with a much more dangerous machine than is an ignorant cyclist. — Gabriel Karabell Asheville
A bike-friendly Asheville would be more liveable This is perplexing: While many forward-thinking and growing cities large and small — such as Portland, Louisville and New York City — are making bicycle transit a high priority, Asheville has become a national hotbed of anti-bicycling sentiments that have boiled over to hostility for some. Or so it seems from reading some of the letters to the editor published here and in other local publications. While New York City, with its 8.4 million residents, has seen a 45-percent increase in bicyclists in just three years, Asheville has declared war on the bike. Even bicyclists themselves are on the attack. Wow, what’s next? War on strollers? Those ignorant and inconsiderate parents who think they own the sidewalk? Come on folks, let’s get real here. The roads of Asheville are dominated by cars and trucks, and with almost no bike lanes (apart from token ones that are “bike paths to nowhere”), it’s tough pedaling, which is a real shame and loss for this community. Instead of pointing fingers, we should be lobbying the DOT and our city leaders to make real accommodations for safe bicycling throughout the city.
JANUARY 20 - JANUARY 26, 2010 • mountainx.com
If there were proper bike lanes, then both drivers and bicyclists would feel better since the “zone” for bicycles would be clearly delineated. Now, it’s a game of weaving around obstacles and into the path of vehicles, making things frustrating for all parties. Would it be too much to ask to have real bike paths on some of the city’s wider streets? Livable streets are good for all: Property values go up, the streets are safer, traffic is less congested, the health benefits are many. So, if we’re going to get angry and want something done, that energy should be focused on positive solutions. It is truly time for Asheville, a city renowned for its livability, to embrace the bicycle — and walking, for that matter — as part of the transportation mix. So, let’s bury the hatchet and get to work. Those who want to get involved can join Livable Asheville at www.livablestreets. com/projects/livable-asheville/blog/. — John C. Tripp Asheville
The homeless aren’t the problem, but delinquents are Being homeless does not make someone bad, but being violent, drunk and hostile does make them a problem. Portraying the delinquents who terrorize the people who live, work and frolic in downtown Asheville as peaceful homeless individuals who have just fallen on hard times and merely want to eat is just plain insulting. It’s insulting to the homeless people who genuinely want to be a part of the community but who have become victims due to unfortunate circumstances. No one is complaining about people who are simply homeless. No one is complaining about veterans. Lumping the derelicts in with the honest, hard-working majority of veterans is an insult. The bums downtown are nasty, offensive and threatening. The thugs who make everyone’s lives miserable are the problem. They try to intimidate people into giving them money. They spend the money they get on drugs and alcohol, not food and clothing. These individuals are fully aware of and frequent the many organizations who provide food and clothing for free. I don’t know what I would do if I became homeless. I do know what I wouldn’t do: I wouldn’t spend day after day after day toxically drunk trying to pick fights with, and hollering obscenities at, the people who live and work downtown. How about giving us a break? We just want to feed and support ourselves. We aren’t rich. Some of us volunteer at churches, shelters and soup kitchens. We don’t mind sticking a dollar in the “spare change for real change” box. We simply want to walk about town without being threatened and yelled at. — Brandon Oliver Asheville