Two excellent letters published today about the Parkway; the first on illegal camping and helping the homeless, the second on the bike trail and helping all of us traverse the Parkway more safely.
Letters to the Editor
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Illegal camping a serious problem
I applaud Sacramento's 10-year plan to end homelessness, and I also agree with David Lukenbill's letter that illegal camping along the American River Parkway is a serious problem and intimidates otherwise lawful users of the area ("Illegal camping has consequences," letters, Sept. 11).
Those who find themselves homeless due to job loss, medical crisis or domestic issues deserve our full support in the way of programs and services to get them back into housing and employment. Those severely disabled or too ill, mentally or otherwise, to keep independent housing or employment are our responsibility to care for, as well. They do not deserve to be sleeping on the streets.
However, even the fiercest homeless advocates cannot deny that some have simply become accustomed to a lifestyle free from responsibility. Free daily meals, enough panhandled cash for alcohol, and a sleeping bag along the American River Parkway are all that some seem to want or need. The memorial to the murdered homeless man several months ago still stands in the midst of the homeless camp on the American River Parkway, where dozens still camp. Why does the city allow illegal activity despite the protests of the community?
– Chip Powell, Sacramento
Parkway rules are cyclist imperialism
Departing from the letter to the editor "Rules of the road are helpful" (Sept. 12), I see Rick Kushman's article apprising the public of the "rules" of the bikeway as an imperialistic way of securing the bike path for Lance Armstrong wannabes.
The bike path is for everyone. Not just those who have mastered bike riding 1A. The idea that families with small children should be discouraged from using our 32 miles of gorgeous bike-walking-running pathway is ridiculous.
If bikers are truly obeying the 15 mph rule, there should be no problem with children and new bike riders, as well as those incredibly rude hikers or runners who dare to step off the dirt path to actually use the pavement (sarcasm intended). The bike path was paid for by all of us taxpayers, not just those who have appropriate bicycle etiquette and decal-covered clothing.
I am a bike rider who has used the parkway for 20 years, and I have noticed in the past seven years the increase in rude behavior of über-bikers, who should truly be on the road instead of the parkway. The rules should be dictated to them – not to those families and children we are trying to encourage to exercise and get fresh air.
– Mimi Sharpe, Sacramento
And there is one response to Ms. Sharpe's letter, also posted at sacbeee.com comments
"Ms. Sharpe: you need to get the signs on the trail changed ("walkers and joggers use left shoulder") for it to become something different.I'm a trail user since 1970. As a cyclist I've hit two female joggers, both times clearly their fault (one fled the scene and I lay on the pavement for an hour for an ambulance). As a runner, I used the hiking/horse trail which runs parallel to the bike trail. Much safer.
I would never take my children or grandchildren on the trail until their skills as bikers or hikers were such that they could take care of themselves. Asking bikers and runners to share that narrow piece of pavement is quite risky. You will change your mind the first time you hit a clueless pedestrian who steps in front of you with no warning whatsoever. And it can happen at very slow speeds. The one which nearly killed me involved a speed of about 5 mph. Have a nice day."
--Walt
