Harry's Courier Times response to anti bicycle letter

It’s quite distressing that anyone (Mrs. Abrams in a previous letter to the editor) would feel animnonisity to someone simply because they are riding a bicycle. Perhaps Mrs Abrams in miss-informed. A bicyclist has the same rights to the roads and is committed to following the same rules and regulations as a car by law. Simply put, bicyclists have the same rights to the road but should stop at lights and stop signs, ride as safely to the right as possible, simple common sense. Yes there are some cyclists that act like idiots but aren’t some motorists guilty as well?

Ironically Bucks County roads that were designed for horse and buggy years ago are at capacity with lots of huge cars and trucks witch makes it sketchy for everyone, all the more reason to drive or ride cautiously. As an avid cyclist I have changed the roads I ride on because of this fact but occasionally must ride on a busy road to get where I got to go. All I ask if I’m ahead of you please slow down and pass when safe with caution, it literally will take seconds in most cases!

Here’s an idea, pretend that that bicycle rider member of your own family, wouldn’t you treat them differently?

Bicycle and car conflict

Cut me a break

As I commute to work on my bicycle, unpleasant encounters happen sometimes to dampen my confidence in the human race. Being on a bicycle does not make me a lesser person. Maybe by writing this short essay, I can educate motorists as to what it’s like to commute in a manner other than by the automobile.

Pennsylvania law states that bicycles must follow the same rules and regulations of the road as cars.

I ride my bike to work simply because I live close enough, it’s cheap and it’s good exercise. Generally it’s a wonderful way to start off my day, although I’ve had many a nice ride tarnished by aggressive motorists.

It’s moronic behavior to beep your car horn from behind me. I guess you want me to move out of your way, so you can to aggressively speed ahead of me to save a second or two. It’s ironic that I usually meet you at the traffic light that you rushed to get to. Blowing by me and then cutting me off to make a turn is unacceptable and rude, not to mention dangerous. I get angry when people treat me like a second-class citizen because I’m riding a bicycle.

For those people in a car that don’t understand, think about this: I have a family and a job just like you. I must be at work at a designated time just like you. The only difference between you and I is the method of travel - I choose to get to my place of employment by bicycle.

I realize that the automobile is the chosen method of transportation for the majority. Henry Ford was a genius, but I’m sure he’d be surprised at what the automobile has done to some people. Entering a car turns some otherwise nice people into self centered, rude and aggressive beings- but that’s a topic for a different story. I do appreciate the people who are courteous of me on the road, waving me through intersections and waiting for oncoming cars to pass so they can give me a little room as they go by.

I do realize the risks of cycling on the same roads that are inhabited by people hurling in thousands of pounds of steel. All I ask from motorists is respect. Maybe slow down a little. Give me a few inches of the road to which I legally have as much right as you. Have a little consideration for your fellow man.

Remember that I’m someone’s husband, son, brother, just like you. Treat me as you would like your husband, son or brother to be treated on the road. Think about that the next time you gun your engine as you pass me on the road.

Harry Betz

Newtown, Pa

215-968-3200

Hi, This little essay was written with my wife’s help, Rebecca Borsavage-Betz.

Pa fracking

As Japan recovers from a terrible earthquake we here in Pa are close to allowing big business to fracture bedrock (fracking) to extract natural gas. I’m no geologist but it seems to me that if I wanted to start an earthquake fracking would be a technique I would employ.