constitution

There is no sense in holding a constitutional convention to make changes to the Pennsylvania Constitution until the current document is obeyed ("No push for constitutional commission," Oct. 20). If our elected officials continue to treat the current document as a menu, where they pick and choose what they wish to follow and enforce, then no amendment or other changes are going to be worth the paper they are written on.

The constitution needs some changes, that is a fact. But the greater problem facing each and every one of us is that we are allowing our officials to ignore the current document. They are to do what we say, not whatever they feel is in their best interest. We have the opportunity to fire them every election cycle, and until we do so on a regular basis, the status quo will remain.

David Kveragas

Newton Township

politicalgadfly@aol.com

Silent killers

on bicycle wheels

I was saddened but not surprised to read that Andre Steed died after having been struck by a bicycle. ("Paralegal, struck by bicyclist in Center City, dies," Tuesday). He will not be the last to die.

Bicycles racing down the sidewalks are extremely common in Center City. The riders have little or no concern for the danger they cause. I have tried to train myself to stick my head out first every time I come to an intersection. I look overly cautious because I am afraid of being badly injured or worse by the potential silent killers of Philadelphia.

William L. Clovis

Philadelphia

wclovis@comcast.net

All must follow

rules of the road

On behalf of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, I am writing to express bicyclists' dismay about the fatal crash in Center City and extend our sympathies to the victim's family, friends, and colleagues.

The bicyclist made the immoral and illegal decision to flee the scene. A bicycle is a legal vehicle in all 50 states and, like all vehicles, must follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, bicyclists, car drivers, and pedestrians blithely ignore traffic laws in Philadelphia. We need a concerted campaign for consistent and visible enforcement of traffic laws - enforced equitably on motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians - to calm our city's streets and make them safe for everyone.

Alex Doty

Executive director