I live on NW 16th Avenue and I ride my bike on it regularly. I have noticed that many cars come close to hitting me on a regular basis and some are hostile. I think the construction might be adding to the confusion. Several letter writers have written to the Sun and all of them are very similar to today's letter by Steven Bonett, who seems to not like the fact that state statues allow bicyclists to ride in the road. Riding on the sidewalk on 16th Avenue is extremely problematic and unsafe. I wonder if they are going to paint a white line on the pavement. Currently there is a graphic of a bicycle, but not stripe. Despite a sign on NW 16 Avenue west bound just west of 13th Street that says "Bikes may use full lane" several writers to the Sun seem to take issue with this.

The last line of Bonett's letter in today's Sun reads: "I just don't understand the need for cyclists to ride in a whole lane on a major corridor used for vehicles." He seems to not understand that the law allows use by cyclists and is is NOT only for vehicles.

I think someone should write a letter or Op Ed piece responding to these letters, including the one today by Steven Bonett. I am not knowledgeable enough about DOT, state laws, etc. Can you or someone with GCC do this? Thanks, Bill

Thank you to all who were able to come out and attend the MTPO's 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan public workshop on Monday night at the Senior Recreation Center.

I urge each one of you to complete the Livable Community/Gainesville Urbanized Area 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan Surveyas soon as possible. Why is that so important? MTPO officials at the meeting assured me that they want to hear from us.

Former County Commissioner Susan Baird, one of the Commissioners who derailed the extension of the Archer Braid Trail through Haile Plantation, encouraged her friends and neighbors, via email, to speak out at the MTPO workshop. In her words, "This is our chance to be heard. The bike folks do, so they get their way..."

A like-minded individual replied to Baird's emailed call to action, saying, "Apparently they are trying to pull another fast one. The long range 2040 transportation decisions will be made tonight .

It is extremely important that the cycling community let MTPO know what WE want and need. If we don't give your input, THEY (those in our community who have a history of actively oppose accommodating bicycling) will potentially speak for YOU. Please complete the survey today, if you have not already done so.

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