Traffic laws for bicyclists aren't adhered to, especially in Center City. I was hit by a speeding bicyclist at Broad and Chestnut two weeks ago.

My head struck the curb, and all I could think was, "This is it. God wants me now." But I only suffered a mild concussion plus bruises. The biker stopped and was very cooperative. He realized he was speeding and was sorry. I believe he cut in front of stopped traffic on Chestnut as soon the light turned green in order to make a turn onto Broad. I'd just stepped off the curb when the light turned green.

If bicyclists were required to pay a registration fee and have insurance, maybe they'd abide by the laws. After all, the victim's health insurance carrier has to pay the medical bills, not the perpetrator. Is that fair?

Annette Lancellotti, Philadelphia

Punditizing Election '09

The pundits and political analysts are making way too much of Tuesday's elections. Allow me, an amateur pundit, to offer my own observations.

1) Three major elections with losses for the Dems isn't exactly a "Republican sweep." Yet the news media make it sound like the Dems just lost the House. It was two losses!

2) Jon Corzine hasn't been popular for most of his administration, having failed to rein in spending, taxes and corruption. You don't deliver, you don't get re-elected. Nothing to do with Obama, his polling was in the gutter long before Obama.

3) Virginia historically tends to vote the opposite party of the occupant of the White House. Two Democrats during Bush's term, two Republicans during Clinton's.

Bottom line: It was not a blow for Obama, who still has an approval rating above 50 percent.

Joseph Timlin, Conshohocken

Wake up, parents!

Some Northeast High School parents have shown just why this city and country are so messed up.

Instead of raising "friends," look your children in the face and tell them when they are wrong. They know the rules and so should you.

Maybe what we have is a culture of parents who haven't grown up yet. Allowing your child to do what they want is not having their back.

You let these kids come home with stuff that they shouldn't be able to buy, like clothes, sneakers and devices without even so much as a "Where did you get that?" Then when they fail and can't keep up with other kids (or countries) it's someone else's fault.

Or the teacher doesn't like my child. Ever wonder why every teacher every year can't stand your child? And when teachers call home for some sort of satisfaction, they get none. A child should be in a child's place. Some parents should be sterilized.

Troy Nicholls, Philadelphia