Sample Letters To The Editor
Give Bikes Three Feet
Word Count: 231
I’m a [MOM/DAD/DAUGHTER/TEACHER ETC] and [JOB/TITLE/VOLUNTEER/ETC]. I’m also a bicyclist. I ride my bike to do errands around town and with friends to stay fit. Our roads in [TOWN] are for everyone, not just those in cars.
The people we see out on the road walking, biking, and using wheelchairs are our neighbors. They deserve to be treated fairly and equally by drivers, just as drivers expect and deserve to be respected by them.
My hope is that by being considerate drivers we can make [TOWN] a place where people can safely bike to a friend’s house, to church, school, work, or the grocery store.
Maine law requires drivers to give at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist. If three feet can’t be given, drivers must wait for a safer place to pass. In Maine it is legal to cross a double yellow line to pass a bicyclist if there is no oncoming traffic.It shouldn’t be too much to ask that drivers wait until it is safe to pass a bicyclist before they continue on their way.
Remember when you’re driving - that person you see on a bike could be on their way to see meet child, parent, or spouse. Please be kind when passing bicyclists – give them three feet and you’ll be to doing your part to get them home safely to their loved ones.
Join Our Bike/Ped Committee
Word Count: 209
As a ____ (parent/volunteer/resident/etc) in __[TOWN] for ___[X]__ years, I wish that our community were more walkable and bikeable. If our town is able to work together over the coming years and decades to create streets, trails, and destinations that encourage active living, we will foster a safer, healthier, and happier community.
The fact is, most of our streets are designed with only cars in mind. My hope is that together, we can make [TOWN] a better place to walk our kids to school, to ride a bike to the store, or to get outside and active.
As a member of the [COMMITTEE NAME], I am helping to bring together residents, town staff and Councilors, local organization, and businesses, to find solutions for better biking and walking. There are so many ideas and tools at our disposal that can make our streets safer for anyone who uses them, not just car drivers. We just need to put them into action!
The [COMMITTEE NAME] meets on [RECURRING MEETING DAY AND TIME] at [LOCATION]. Our committee’s goal is to help make slow and steady progress towards a more walkable and bikeable [TOWN]. Please join us if you’re concerned about these issues. If you’d like to get involved in the [COMMITTEE NAME] please email [EMAIL ADDRESS] or call [PHONE NUMBER].