Wheel life
Caroline Laco’s 45-minute commute by bicycle that she says would be cut in half by the Meadow Creek Parkway [“Wheels Keep on Turning,” March 29] reminds us that the parkway does more than gobble up precious park land. Commuters’ time may not top concerns of parkway opponents, but what about the environment?
We might hope that more commuters, given an easier way, would be encouraged to follow Ms. Laco’s example and bike to work. But the environment would also benefit, and greatly, from those thousands of vehicles burning less fuel going from point A to point B by the most direct route. Providing that more direct route is the decades-old idea behind the parkway.
With the county’s portion done, there is an inevitability to the Meadow Creek Parkway. The sooner it is completed, the sooner can cyclists, drivers, residents in traffic-plagued neighborhoods, and planet Earth with her atmosphere breathe a sigh of relief.
J. A. Barker
Charlottesville
On “Relativity of Recklessness,” April 19, about urban exploration at UVA:
Karen: Students will make their own decisions about pushing boundaries. Though this is tragic, the University is in no way responsible for this accident. When I was a student, I climbed on the roof of the Rotunda, Old Cabell Hall, and jumped off cliffs at nearby quarries. I knew it was dangerous and illegal, but took full responsibility for my actions. I don’t understand why more people don’t get upset about the amount of alcohol that is being consumed by underage students. It is dangerous, illegal, and violates the Honor Code. I have known many who have come close to death, and some who have died from alcohol poisoning. I am also aware of the potential danger of cyclists at U.Va. who wear no helmets, disobey traffic signs, and who weave in and out of traffic. I feel dread when I have to drive the roads through the grounds.
CORRECTIONS
Due to a reporting error, an April 19 news story [“When the Levy breaks”] stated that public housing redevelopment could increase the number of public housing units to 720 from 376. In fact, the number of public housing units will remain at 376, though the number of total units, including affordable and market-rate rentals and homeownership units, could number 720.
Due to a production error, an April 19 news story [“Sullivan steps out”] was mis-attributed to Jenny Thomas. While we’re sure she’s a lovely person, we have no idea who Jenny Thomas is. The piece was in fact written by our dear news intern Jenny Taylor. Sorry Jenny!