Pinthouse Pizza
Bicycling Is Better
RECEIVED Thu., Sept. 20, 2007
Editor,
I just wanted to thank The Austin Chronicle for its continuing coverage of the tragic death of Vilhelm Hesness [“Naked City,” News, Sept. 7]. His death illustrates the fact that law-abiding bicyclists can be struck by a motorist, who will most likely get away with it.
In my opinion, the reason motorists get away with it is that most everyone in the justice system, from the cops to the judges to the juries, are all motorists. They feel that bicyclists are second-class citizens and don't belong on the road.
As a committed bicycle commuter, I see the road full of motorists, talking on their cell phones, putting on make-up, smoking cigarettes, eating, doing whatever except paying attention. Most motorists don't realize they are driving a weapon.
That is the messy reality to this toxic American car culture that we live in.
But I will continue to ride my bicycle in the city. Not because it is easy but because it makes me happy. I look at motorists, and I almost feel sorry for them, enclosed in their coffins, caught in a void.
For me bicycling is better because life is too precious to be spent in a car. And I would like to think that Vilhelm Hesness felt the same way.
I just wanted to thank The Austin Chronicle for its continuing coverage of the tragic death of Vilhelm Hesness [“Naked City,” News, Sept. 7]. His death illustrates the fact that law-abiding bicyclists can be struck by a motorist, who will most likely get away with it.
In my opinion, the reason motorists get away with it is that most everyone in the justice system, from the cops to the judges to the juries, are all motorists. They feel that bicyclists are second-class citizens and don't belong on the road.
As a committed bicycle commuter, I see the road full of motorists, talking on their cell phones, putting on make-up, smoking cigarettes, eating, doing whatever except paying attention. Most motorists don't realize they are driving a weapon.
That is the messy reality to this toxic American car culture that we live in.
But I will continue to ride my bicycle in the city. Not because it is easy but because it makes me happy. I look at motorists, and I almost feel sorry for them, enclosed in their coffins, caught in a void.
For me bicycling is better because life is too precious to be spent in a car. And I would like to think that Vilhelm Hesness felt the same way.
Thanks again,
Al Coovert
Al Coovert