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Published: May 21, 2008

Maybe You're Using the Wrong Finger

Thanks for the great press for Bike Week [Editor's Letter, "I Want to Ride My Bicycle," Brian Howard, May 15, 2008]. You might want to know that the Bicycle Coalition is working toward a Bicycling Ambassador Program. Part of its mission is educating drivers as well as cyclists. There will also be instructional rides for learning to ride in the city and for commuting. Now here's my two cents: At least once a week I get a threat from some driver going up 13th Street on the way to work. The latest was, "You're lucky I didn't feel like running over you today." To be fair I also get positive comments. I try to get out of the way of cars when I can but usually I have to wait for an intersection. 13th Street is narrow enough that a car can't safely pass mid-block.When I get beeped at I raise my index finger to let the driver know I'll move when it's safe. I wish more drivers knew that we cyclists need stopping time, too.

Jill Minick, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Via e-mail

Thank you for your well-written article [Slant, "Pay Attention," Stewart Dean Ebersole, May 15, 2008]! I picked up road-biking while living in Houston, Texas, of all places (not exactly known for bike-friendly commuting). When I moved home to Philadelphia I anticipated that my bicycle commute to work would be stress-free and I would get fewer stares and glares than in my previous city. I live in Center City and commute to University of Penn. Many people bike and walk to the Penn campus; cars shouldn't be surprised to see us or angry that we are "in their way." I wear a helmet, I stop at red lights, I ride in the bike lane, and still I feel like every day I risk my life, or an injury, just to get to work. Just the other day as I drove down Spruce Street an angry SUV driver revved his engine and slammed on his brakes repeatedly, before speeding past me. He was angry he could't pass me. While I was in the bike lane, his huge SUV couldn't squeeze by my bike and opposing traffic and he wanted me to know about it. I've lost count of how many times I've had to go around a car illegally parked in the bike lane, narrowly avoided open car doors, been nearly plowed down or had to deal with angry and aggressive drivers. I love bike riding, especially along the river where there are no cars, and it should be a joyful ride (as you quoted a rider) to and from work. But more times than not I return home from my commute upset and frustrated, lucky to be in one piece. I hope things get better for riders in Philadelphia.

Melissa Resnick
Via e-mail

Great article about Sheila Frank [Agenda, "Shopping Spree," Monica Weymouth, May 15, 2008]. She is a rising star, a one-woman act. Her designs are fresh and flattering. She knows how to make a woman feel confident and gorgeous.

Raine
Camp Hill, PA

The city's WiFi system was obsolete before it even got started [Loose Canon, "Got WiFi? Who Cares?" Bruce Schimmel, May 15, 2008]. The only reason we should care is to learn from the mistakes of taking a good idea, such as "making the Internet available to all," and how to better implement it next time. New technology is helping bridge the digital divide, and the biggest bridge of all are mobile phones! According to the CTIA wireless trade group, some 84 percent of the U.S. population subscribes to a wireless plan, which typically is higher in urban areas like Philadelphia. Most of these phones have Internet access and mobile Internet consumption rates continue to rise. To prove the point, the rest of my response is available by phone. To read the rest, text "PHL1010" to 73914.

Ken
Via citypaper.net

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