Time Magazine, October 26, 1987
 

Your article on public anger against bicyclists ((NATION, Oct. 5)) overlooks the primary reason for the conflict. People ignore the fact that cyclists have the same rights and are subject to the same rules as motorists. If I had a nickel for every trucker who made sport out of coming as close as possible without hitting me, I could be wealthy.

   Jeffrey L. Green
   Traverse City, Mich.
 
 

I commute 14 miles a day on a bike. Unfortunately, many of the cyclists I encounter along the way ignore traffic regulations and generally disregard   common road etiquette, like halting for stop signs and riding single file. Often I remonstrate with the offenders, remarking, ''Behavior like that gives us all a bad name.'' I am either ignored or, worse, told to mind my own business.

   Christopher Dresden, Secretary
   Almaden Cycle Touring Club
   San Jose
 
 

   It should be stressed that there is a tremendous difference between the protection afforded by a motor vehicle and by a bicycle. I gave up commuting to my job on my bike before my luck ran out. I have had things thrown at me, was blown off the road by a truck that passed too close at a high speed, and was slapped on the rear by someone passing in a van, which nearly sent me under the wheels of the next vehicle. A bicyclist, no matter how well outfitted, has no protection against a motor vehicle.

   Linda Deering
   Libertyville, Ill.
 
 

   One way to stop the recklessness of bike messengers is to modify the incentive system under which they operate. Instead of paying according to the number of deliveries, firms should be forced to pay on an hourly basis. Further, companies should be required to buy medallions for the bikes, and messengers should have state driver's licenses. I have been a cab driver as well as a bike messenger; I know how the motivation for money makes both go faster.

   Jim Chadwick
   Berkeley