R
Robert J. Matter
Guest
My letter to the story's writer, Ken Burger. -RJM
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Lance gives 'Going Postal' new meaning
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 16:57:20 -0500
From: Robert J. Matter <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Good story, Ken.
Does it strike you as ironic that the USPS spends all that money
sponsoring a bike racing team, yet does not install bike racks at its
own offices around the country? For years I have been requesting a bike
rack at my local post office to no avail. A secure U-shaped bike rack
that accommodates two bicycles is about $200-$500 installed, about one
tenth the cost of one automobile parking space, and only requires about
one tenth of the space.
The next time you are at the post office, note how many people drive
three-ton SUVs there to buy a stamp and mail a one ounce letter.
Shouldn't a quasi-government agency like the USPS be at the forefront of
encouraging environmentally friendly alternative transportation and
reducing U.S. dependency on foreign oil by providing bike racks to its
customers?
A bicycle is ideal for running local, light duty errands like going to
the post office. Not only is bicycling more economic than driving, but
it also provides the rider with much needed exercise when our nation is
facing an epidemic of obesity. It's a national shame that our post
offices do not accommodate this economic, environmentally friendly,
healthy mode of transportation yet accommodate the dirty, dangerous,
obesity inducing, and space devouring automobile.
-Bob Matter
Hammond, Indiana
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Lance gives 'Going Postal' new meaning
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 16:57:20 -0500
From: Robert J. Matter <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Good story, Ken.
Does it strike you as ironic that the USPS spends all that money
sponsoring a bike racing team, yet does not install bike racks at its
own offices around the country? For years I have been requesting a bike
rack at my local post office to no avail. A secure U-shaped bike rack
that accommodates two bicycles is about $200-$500 installed, about one
tenth the cost of one automobile parking space, and only requires about
one tenth of the space.
The next time you are at the post office, note how many people drive
three-ton SUVs there to buy a stamp and mail a one ounce letter.
Shouldn't a quasi-government agency like the USPS be at the forefront of
encouraging environmentally friendly alternative transportation and
reducing U.S. dependency on foreign oil by providing bike racks to its
customers?
A bicycle is ideal for running local, light duty errands like going to
the post office. Not only is bicycling more economic than driving, but
it also provides the rider with much needed exercise when our nation is
facing an epidemic of obesity. It's a national shame that our post
offices do not accommodate this economic, environmentally friendly,
healthy mode of transportation yet accommodate the dirty, dangerous,
obesity inducing, and space devouring automobile.
-Bob Matter
Hammond, Indiana
