|
Bike messengers keep economy rolling
|
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (LETTER)
Chicago Tribune, March 28, 2006
By Sam Goldman
Chicago -- Upon reading the March 17 Chicago Tribune editorial "There
oughta be a law," I was irked by the irresponsibility of this paper's
assertion that "immunity from prosecution could be extended to any
pedestrian who knocked over a bicycle messenger."
I remind you that bicycle messengers in Chicago play an important role
in lubricating the wheels of our economy.
I am a messenger in Chicago, and a delegate in the Chicago Couriers
Union, and there are roughly 300 bike messengers in Chicago.
We pick up and deliver thousands of documents, packages, meals, and
odds and ends to and from Chicago's corporations, law firms,
restaurants, architecture firms, hospitals, municipal building, courts,
banks, retail shops and residences.
This also includes media publications, including your paper, which
receives hundreds of packages a week from Chicago's bicycle messengers.
The messenger is one of the most important links in the delivery of
information to Chicago's business community.
Chicago messengers work in all weather conditions, 365 days a year, 24
hours a day if necessary.
We have none of the benefits or job protections that you enjoy,
including workman's compensation, disability and health insurance.
But we work hard every day.
They are the ambassadors of goodwill to the city's tourists, helping
them with information and directions.
Often they are the first on the scene to report a serious accident or
help a motorist out of a burning car.
According to a 1997 report, bicycle couriers increase the safety of
pedestrians compared to cars.
Studies show that pedestrians are 250 times as likely to be injured by
a car, bus or taxi than a bike.
Consider the alternative: There could be thousands of car couriers
speeding through the Loop.
This sort of editorial is dangerous and reckless.
|
|
