LETTERS: BICYCLISTS ARE A PROBLEM ON ROADS

To the editor:

I would like to address the bicycle patrons of the Mississippi River Trail. Please keep in mind that I agree that our region of the mighty Mississippi is worth marketing and is an area full of historical value worthy of discovery.

It is a shame that as bicyclists you haven't noticed the risk you pose to yourself and the motorists who are using the highways at legal speeds of up to 55 mph. You are operating two-wheel, chain-driven death machines. On your travels through Cape Girardeau and Perry counties, haven't you noticed that there are few if any safe shoulders for your activity and that motorists have little negotiating room to avoid you? Haven't you noticed that there are few places to safely pass your pack? You are traveling in lengths greater than most commercial-sized vehicles. What is even more disturbing is that you allow small children to participate.

I believe that if you want a piece of that black ribbon, then here are a few suggestions: Get license plates, operate at the minimum speed and pay vehicle taxes. Got the point? We don't want you contributing to the already dangerous situations that motorists have to deal with on a daily basis. Want to take to the open countryside? Then do like many of the horse enthusiasts in these counties and get some trails that are off the highways. Maybe build your own bike trails that are safe.

There have already been strong reactions to this trail. Presently there is documentation being circulated in Perry County that suggests that taxpayers are not pleased and have valid concerns with the trail. People are signing such documentation with much conviction to rid the county of the dangerous situation. There have even been reports that large businesses operating heavy, dangerous and commercial vehicles are having to reroute their transportation of commerce due to the ill-thought-out tourism-biased plan of the supporters of the trail.

It isn't like there aren't county and state parks for such recreation. Even the interstate would be a better choice of the two evils. There are even auto trails provided for taking in the Southeast Missouri scenery. One would have to question the real revenue generated by the cyclist.

I believe that cowboys use a saying, "Cowboy up," when the going gets rough. I say, "Pedal up," because here's to chat-filled roads, dogs off leashes and maybe a good, old-fashioned 18-wheel how-do-you-do. Look out, county cleanup detail. There could be some pretty ugly road kill out there on the highways.

KELLE LANE

Jackson