Game-Day Bike Policy Needs Change

My husband and I enjoy bicycle riding on the trails and streets around Fayetteville.

We also enjoy riding our bikes to Razorback football games, partly because it allows us to avoid having to park on campus and the traffic snarls that occur at the end of the game.

Sometimes we are allowed to ride up Razorback Road and join friends who tailgate there. Today we were nearly accosted by officers from the sheriff’s office who refused to allow us to ride or walk our bicycles on Razorback Road, even along the shoulder or sidewalk. They claimed it was university policy to not allow bikes on Razorback Road.

If that is the case, I am thoroughly confused about that policy. Why would the campus discourage bicycle riding when it is an obvious alternative method of transportation in a congested area? Why not disallow any motorized vehicles and encourage non-motorized bicycles that don’t interfere with walkers?

Fayetteville claims to be a bicycle-friendly town. This is a policy that needs to be changed if we are actually going to be the forward thinking community I hope for.

JUDI WALKER

Fayetteville KUDOS TO MERCY ER

I had to take my wife to

the Mercy Hospital ER in Rogers not too long ago.

The doctors and nurses there were very kind and treated us with courtesy.

Then we were transferred to the 4th floor. The personnel on that floor were also very kind and courteous and treated my wife with respect, too. The nurses would come in and ask if she wanted anything.

They brought her medicine in a timely manner. Thedoctors would come up and check in on her often.

We are lucky to have a hospital and emergency service like Mercy here in Northwest Arkansas.

I again thank all the doctors and nurses in the ER and hospital for their expedient service and kindness to my wife and my whole family. Thank you, doctors and nurses. You are one of a kind.

JIM TETERS

Springdale

BLAME THE OFFICIALS

I waited in line for one hour

and thirty-five minutes at Precinct 29 (St. Teddy’s Church) in Bella Vista because only four voting machines were available.

I want to compliment the election sheriff and workers for keeping a positive attitude during the election process.

After seeing the line, I asked for a paper ballot and was informed that they had been all used up by people who came early in the morning and did not want to wait in line. I was also informed that they tried to get more but were unable to contact the clerks office.

Who is to blame? The blame starts with the Benton County judge and the justices of the peace who are responsible for providing funds for the election commission.

Some blame has to be placed on the election commission for not providing enough paper ballots for those who choose not to use the machine.

I did attempt to vote early at Riordan Hall but each time I showed up the line was estimated to be 45 minutes, which I felt was to long. Hindsight being 20-20, I should have waited in line at Riordan Hall.

Let’s hope that coming elections will be improved.

WALLY SHELDON

Bella Vista