The following letter was written by reader, Richard Gideon and is reprinted with his permission.
27 June 2011
Board Members:
I listened to the Architect's Update of 20 June 2011 (courtesy of Elaine Gillen's “Lebo Citizens” web site) and was taken aback by the discussion concerning the role of bike racks at the proposed new high school edifice. For the record, my wife and I are avid cyclists. Cycling is great exercise and an excellent way to get around – under the proper circumstances. I understand that bike racks are a component of LEED Certification. However, the requirements of LEED Certification aside, encouraging high school students, who are by definition (with a few exceptions) minors, to ride bicycles to the high school - during rush hour – on major traffic routes with no bike lanes – on hills with steep grades – mixing in with arriving and departing school traffic - is ill advised at best.
Dr. Steinhauer may cycle to school as he pleases because he is an adult, knows the risks, and accepts them. That he does so is classic individualism and I applaud it. But in tacitly agreeing with Mr. Lebowitz that other people's children should be encouraged to take the same kind of risk he is asking for a gigantic lawsuit should, God forbid, a kid be killed whilst cycling to school.
Mr. Remely's observations on the subject are correct; and if I may be permitted to add, as a youngster moves through adolescence the thrill of a bicycle gives way very quickly to the anticipation of a driver's license, making the point of bike racks somewhat moot.
Sincerely,
Richard Gideon
