Dear T.A.:
I was absolutely delighted to hear Giuliani's proposal for a train link between Brooklyn and Staten Island and the development of Brooklyn as a deepwater port. Thanks to Jerrold Nadler, who spoke at T.A., we know the importance that rail freight can have for New York. It is dangerous, as well as unecological, for all Manhattan's food to come in by truck across the George Washington Bridge.

I think the benefits of such a project for cyclists and pedestrians are obvious. Charlie Komanoff's calculations on the havoc trucks wreak on our streets are eloquent. As most cyclists still ride in the streets, inches away from trucks, any measure that significantly reduces trucks' presence in Manhattan and the other boroughs should have the wholehearted support of a bicycle advocacy association. (There would be acoustic benefits as well.)

In short, I think this project has the possibility for bringing about major changes in the day-to-day, down-in-the- street, transportation panorama for Manhattan.

I know T.A. has always "called them as it saw them" when judging mayoral administrations. I hope T.A. comes down on the side of rail freight, and stresses the salutary effects such a project could have for cyclists and pedestrians, our two main constituencies.
Daniel Sherr
New York, NY

Dear T.A.:
I am a member of T.A. from Long Beach, Long Island, who is both a pedestrian and cyclist. I read the T.A. Magazine from cover to cover, and I know how difficult it is for anything that benefits bicyclists to get done in New York City. I am an activist here in Long Beach, and it is just as time consuming to get our city council and city manager-nearly all of whom are bicycle riders themselves-to do anything. When I read the article from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel's newslet- ter (Autumn, 1996), I couldn't believe how fast bicyclists in Tel Aviv got something accomplished (or at least started):

"Last month, over 300 cyclists took to the streets of Tel Aviv, in the city's first ever "bike ride demonstration." The cyclists put foot to pedal to demand that Tel Aviv's mayor, Mr. Roni Milo, approve a plan for creating a network of bicycle lanes throughout Tel Aviv. Their efforts were well rewarded: the initial stages of the program were approved by the city council the following week!"
Phyllis Wagner
Long Beach, NY

Dear T.A.:
Thank you for writing and expressing your concern for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. You should be happy to know that yes, I have received numerous postcards from your members as well.

I take your concerns seriously. My office has a very aggressive policy regarding crimes committed while operating motor vehicles. This policy includes not only vehicular homicide and assault cases, but also unlicensed operation of motor vehicles and related Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.

My office seeks significant incarceration in all homicide and assault cases. We also seek prison time in felony unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

I proposed and strongly supported the new V.T.L. legislation that became effective on April 1, 1992. I am now proposing new legislation to increase penalties and close loopholes in existing laws. With support of organizations such as Transportation Alternatives, I believe we can bring about change to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in New York State.
Charles J. Hynes
District Attorney of Kings County

Dear T.A.:
I received your letter of January 7, concerning the Transportation Alternatives campaign urging me and other district attorneys to help get dangerous drivers off the streets.

Please be assured that my office appropriately prosecutes those who intentionally or recklessly endanger others, and I am very grateful to people like you who support me in those efforts.

Thank you very much for having a strong and active interest in this important issue. Robert T. Johnson
District Attorney of Bronx County

Dear T.A.:
No, I'm not a "deranged" bike hater, just member #19,857 sharing some Dilbert "reality" with you. I thought some of the members might recognize the "face" in the car (driver, of course!) and take care whenever a "yellow" vehicle aims toward them. I am a new member who joined after the "wet & wild" Century Ride, and I can't wait until next year! Hope I can volunteer for some of the great events you've got planned for the year. Keep up the good work!
Bob DeBelho
New York, NY