BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Here's an electronic copy with the author's email as well....

"I always thought the classical example of the immovable object and the unstoppable force could only be found in Greek mythology.

But I've discovered a modern version. The immovable object is the bicycle enthusiast that I happen upon on the narrow asphalt paths that we call roads. They ain't movin' outta the way for nuthin.’ The unstoppable force, of course is me, 'caus I gotta gas pedal.

I mean, bless their little spandex hearts, I admire their exercise ethic. But not at the expense of me havin' to go into double-dare, eyeball-to-eyeball, head-on traffic like a fearless bullfighter of Hemingway proportions unflinchingly facing destiny at the risk of life, limb to accommodate these persons of bicycle.

I finally got past one the other day when I made the mistake of casually mentioning to him, in passing, that perhaps he could be a little more considerate and ride where they have bike trails, like North Park or the North Pole. Just get outta my way.

I didn't even use that many adjectives, I swear. Well, let me tell you, he hightailed it right after me. I think that's what they call it when their but goes up in the air and they go into high gear.

I'm thinking his intention was clearly, at close-range, with malice, to aggravate me with loud decibel epithets.

But the unstoppable force was long gone."

(Reach Tom at tommitrakos@comcast.net)

Yeah, whatever. Good for Tom and his gas pedal. Letters to the editor and hatemail to his personal address won't make him any smarter, no matter his fancy verbiage.

Please, everyone, next time you spend 45 minutes typing up and sending off the perfect zinger letter to rebut some nonsense consider spending an equal amount of time (or more!) volunteering with Bike-Pgh or attending a transportation meeting. It makes a difference.

I love the way this guy writes; dropping G's, turning because into "caus", paring the phrase "life and limb" down to "life, limb"--very efficient! I also like the fact that he writes to the newspaper to brag about that fact that he accosted some random cyclist, was challenged to fight by said cyclist, and responded to this challenge by driving away as fast as he could.

I had to write to the paper's editor, and I didn't honor the ego of the author and contact him. We'll see if it gets published. Be careful out there.

Dear Ms. Palmiero:

I find it somewhat disturbing that The Herald and Gateway Newspapers has allowed such a narrow-minded, poorly written op/ed piece regarding cyclists, to be published in a community newspaper. I am referring to the piece that was contributed by Mr. Mitrakos, in the 05 March 09 edition of The Herald.

Never mind that Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code (Title 75) includes specific guidelines that permit cyclists similar rights as motor vehicles when riding on the roadways. An excerpt from the Vehicle Code is fairly straightforward…. “Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this title.” The author appears to believe that these rules don’t apply to him since he owns a vehicle with a “gas pedal”.

If the piece was intended to be humorous by directing cyclists to be considerate of the author and ride in either “North Park or the North Pole”, then perhaps the author ought to join the lobby to promote the development of bike paths and lanes, as well as pedestrian paths in our community. Cyclists, pedestrians, runners and dog walkers alike would love to be able to use dedicated pathways in order avoid inconveniencing important people such as the author. Most of us would be satisfied just to have Squaw Run Road returned to a navigable road, as it’s current condition is unsafe for all but the heartiest of vehicles.

Future investment in our community’s parks and recreation system should allow us access to a sustainable, healthy and safe environment where walking, cycling and other recreational activities are available to all residents. The development of a safe recreational environment starts with education, awareness and courtesy, and Mr. Mitrakos’ ignorant rants point out just where the education might begin.

A final note….could you please direct the author to utilize the spell-check option of his word processing software? I believe that the word “butt” in his case, is spelled with two t’s.

I am not a smart person, but this is a published article?

RWS- Great response.

Whatever.... The douche bag will get what's coming to him when his 2-bit assclown paper goes out of business in the sagging economy and he can't afford the gasoline anymore.

That asshole sits in traffic more because of our lazy ass road construction workers, rush hour traffic, and little old ladies crossing the road.

He is probably some fat ass couch potato who is jealous that he can't wear spandex without people taking photos of him to put up on hotornot.com (where he currently has a score of 1.4)

great response rws. thanks for taking the time to rebut his drivel.