Andy,
As Chairman of the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board, as a League of American Bicyclists Certified Bicycling Instructor and as a Fairmont area cyclist, I am writing to question your 30-May publication of Colorado's John Marshall's article http://www.timeswv.com/redeye/local_story_150161304.html in the the Times West Virginian. Publishing that article promotes increasing animosity toward bicyclists when we need responsible journalism to educate us about alternatives to traffic congestion, dependence on foreign oil and obesity. Why can't you publish an article that encourages bicycling? Why can't you publish an article that educates your readers about the health benefits of bicycling? Why can't you publish an article that teaches motorists and bicyclists how to share the road together safely and enjoyably? The City of Morgantown and the Greater Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization have adopted a policy to encourage rather than discourage bicycling and are working to realize that policy. I invite you and the Times West Virginian staff to learn about our program and support it in your fine publication.
Frank Gmeindl