Inbox: Taylor Danger

Biking in Portland

As a dedicated cycle commuter, I was happy to see your biking-focused issue ["Bikey Town," WW, April 27, 2016].

However, in "Bikes vs. the World," I was surprised and concerned to see Lizzy Acker turn her music "way up" before going on her ride. Cycling while listening to music, especially loudly, is making it more dangerous than it already is in this city.

I understand the romantic appeal of cruising the city listening to your favorite girl-angst music, raging up hills against the patriarchy. I know I sound like a schoolmarm here, but you might miss the auditory clues that could save you or someone else from getting injured.

Give it some thought, Acker—and everyone else wearing earbuds during their ride.

—Lucy Wong, Northeast Portland

Having lived in some of the so-called "bike cities" of Northern Europe, I'd say Portland has miles to go before we begin lauding our city as a "bike town."

Being the most bike-friendly city in the U.S. is analogous to being the best ice fisherman in the Sahara. Once our city planners begin prioritizing direct routing of bikes and safety of users over auto convenience, then we will at least be going in the right direction.

Right now it's just (poorly drawn) lines on the street.

—Tyler Robertson

Bailey's Mayoral Campaign

The basic reason Jules Bailey's campaign never caught on is that it has no rationale except perhaps political opportunism ["Bailey, Left Behind," WW, April 27, 2016]. If you will pardon my Portland-centrism, at this juncture in our history, being mayor of Portland is arguably more important than being governor of Oregon, and Ted Wheeler is eminently qualified.

When Wheeler's candidacy made Charlie Hales irrelevant, the mayor and his allies sought an alternative, and after a half-dozen more obvious choices declined, Bailey took the bait.

—Ed Hershey

In a political talk I attended, Bailey had less ego than Wheeler, and that's important to me. Bailey was the better listener, his comments were succinct as opposed to Wheeler, who went on and on and didn't know the topic as well as Bailey.

I think Bailey's in the race for the right reasons and clearly is qualified.

—"byebyepdx"

Proposal to Ban Drive-Thrus

So let me get this straight: Eliminating drive-thrus gets rid of car traffic, which is responsible for hitting people ["Pay at the Last Window," WW, April 27, 2016]. Don't the same cars have to drive to the restaurant and park in the parking lot?

There is absolutely no reduction in traffic. Our city's leaders have lost it. It's time to vote the entire City Council out and get a fresh start. They are ruining our city.

—"c77"

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Email: mzusman@wweek.com.

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