I was appalled to read about the battle between residents of Barrington Hills and bicyclists. All bicyclists in Spandex are not professionals. We are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. We started bicycling to be healthier and get off the couch.
Read the full letter to the editor of the Daily Herald here.
There are many opinions on how this bike issue should be handled. Individuals who don’t want bicyclist riding down our narrow roads because it causes traffic back-up or they don’t want the massive groups disrespecting their land. The alternative doesn’t seem so land/tree friendly either — cutting down or infringe on root bases of trees to put in a path. Whether funding is coming from the government or not is not the issue…. People sorta laugh as I repeated myself at a gathering lately saying “It comes down to RESPECT”. No matter the vehicle we ride — we need to give respect to the land, people and community around us. We all walk this earth thinking we are entitled with little regard to our creators wishes for the land he has provided us. I know we have beautiful country and it is very peaceful and relaxing for many to ride, run or walk our streets (which are public roadways), but when individuals begin to show disrespect by their behaviors and actions we need to find a solution. In response to… “We” are mothers, fathers, daughter, etc. This might be true, but having those titles does not necessarily give anyone the right to disrespect each other. “We” all get clumped together because of the disrespect of “some” — not everyone who rides a bike, drives in a car, motorcycle or horse is disrespectful of the land, neighbors or roadways. It is important that “we” don’t try to lump everyone into the same fight because once again “some” individuals can’t get along. I have friends with bikes, motorcycles and horses — WE ALL need to RESPECT each other and more importantly we should not think we own this land we travel. We have graciously inherited the right to be a part of a bigger picture and as soon as we all learn that… we might be able to come to some reasonable agreement. I think we should leave the roadways the way they are (God knows we should tell our government to save its pennies and pay off some bills) and respect each other’s rights. The BH police are aware of where the bulk of disturbances are trending and if RULES OF THE ROAD are enforced – just maybe we can resolve this peacefully without pathways or government involvement. We are all proud of our community and just wish to preserve the countryside as God intended.
Stephanie, you said that very nicely. š
Bravo Stephanie !