Derald E. Gottsleben (letter, Aug. 18) complains that he sees bikes everywhere. I’m glad he sees bikes everywhere — those cyclists are reducing pollution and pressure on parking spaces, getting great exercise and not using up oil, a nonrenewable resource. We need more of them!

He asks “What do bikes have to pay … ? Nothing.” But all of those cyclists pay taxes — local, state and federal taxes — to build the streets and highways all of us use. Most of them own cars and pay taxes on them, too.

He’s right that too many cyclists are careless and do not observe the rules of the road, as they are required to do by law. We need to recognize that bicycles are legally vehicles, not toys, and we need education of cyclists and motorists based on that fact, so we all can recognize each other’s responsibilities and rights.

Bob Boyce, Lincoln

Bicycles offer benefits

I pay all the same taxes as you, Derald E. Gottsleben. I could argue, since I put more miles on my bike than my car, that I ought to pay less in car-related taxes, but I don’t. I just pay ’em because good, safe roads for everyone who is trying to go somewhere, with whatever vehicle they opt for, are in all our best interests.

In fact, because I and many others use our bikes, you have fewer autos in your way on the street, less pollution in your air and more tax money for fixing streets your heavy vehicle helps ruin faster.

Sydney Brown, Lincoln

Common sense lacking

I have decided to start sending along to everyone what I have dubbed “The Joke Of The Month.”  I cannot take credit for the humor, though. Credit must be given to the government of Lincoln, our amazingly entertaining City Council and mayor. The joke goes as follows:

Downtown cyclist: “I can’t believe how dangerous it is to ride my bike downtown. The other day I was going the wrong way down a one-way street, ignoring the traffic signals and breaking most of the traffic laws, and was almost hit by a car.”

Motorist: “I can’t believe those bikers. I don’t use my turn signal or turn into my corresponding lane, and they are surprised when I almost run them over.”

City of Lincoln: “For everyone’s safety, we will not enforce the existing traffic laws, but instead totally screw up some of the streets downtown by putting a bike lane in the middle of the street. This way we now have only two narrow lanes for traffic, no turn lanes and confusion on everyone’s part.”

Funny joke! Once again, the comedians have tried to fix something that isn’t broken. If they simply would enforce existing laws, everyone would be much safer. It’s called common sense, which seems to be lacking on everyone’s part.

Randy Wiese, Lincoln

Where did they all go?

Where did all the people go?

For those of us who advocate well-run, quality service for Nebraskans with developmental disabilities, what happens when their services abruptly end? On Friday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m., Transfiguration Inc., a nonprofit company, closed under the pressure of a $1 million debt, leaving more than 110 adults without homes or services. 

The clients had to be moved immediately. Twenty-three group homes closed with one day’s notice. More than 200 staff members lost their jobs, with some staff reporting no pay for the past month. Rents and utilities were left unpaid. Thousands of back taxes were unpaid. The corporation had loaned $200,000 to the CEO.

Where did all the people go? Many of them moved back into their parents’ homes. Many were shuffled between other organizations.

The heroes in this mess were many of the support professionals who stayed on duty concerned about the well-being of their clients.

Where was the state in monitoring and oversight of each annual contract with Transfiguration? More tax money was negotiated for this organization in July 2006.

Who is paying attention to what happens to those most vulnerable citizens in our state?

Patty McGill Smith, Omaha

President, The Arc of Nebraska

Bus pass help available

Congress did not pass the increase in the minimum wage. Good or bad, that’s reality. It is also reality that a person can be employed full-time and in poverty at the same time, according to government standards.

Now, with gas at $3 a gallon, those employees and their employers should know that a program exists to help with transportation costs: “Ride for $5.” If a person is low-income, they can buy a bus pass for a full month for only $5! Besides helping someone maintain their employment, these passes can also help kids get to school. 

There are 15 places around Lincoln, including StarTran, that sell these passes. Proof of eligibility is required. The sites are listed on the city Web site, or call Volunteer Partners at 435-2100 for the locations.

Wayne Svoboda, Lincoln

Executive director, Volunteer Partners

Met Opera will be missed

As the fall Saturdays approach, I am looking forward to the radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, something I have listened to for years and years.  This fall there is a new production of “Die Agyptische Helena” and a world premiere of a new opera, “The First Emperor” by Tan Dun, with Placido Domingo.

But wait, what do I hear, our Nebraska NET Radio network is not going to carry the Met Opera. I can’t believe this. Our presumed quality radio network is not going to carry the most significant international opera broadcasts!! Unbelievable!

John Weymouth, Lincoln

Cemetery ‘a disgrace’

We have more than 10 relatives at rest at Fairview Cemetery at 84th and Adams streets. We also have at least 10 plots for future use. Like letter writers Susan L. Smith and Vicki Geisler, we were also heartbroken to see how terrible the cemetery looked on Memorial Day.

When my mother passed away, my dad went out and put grass seed on her grave because Wyuka just does not keep it up as it should.

We’re considering selling the 10 plots we have and going elsewhere because of the lack of care this cemetery receives. What a disgrace.

Katy Cummins, Lincoln