Drink & Ride
Had to laugh when I read the “Booze Train” letter [Aug. 28, City Weekly], as I was probably one of those riders. Mr. Cotant must have boarded just after the close of the fifth-annual Utah Beer Festival, when hundreds of other responsible drinkers like me chose to ride public transportation rather than drink and drive. I was a volunteer at the festival and I appreciate City Weekly’s sponsorship of this amazingly successful event for the Utah Humane Society.
John A. Campbell
Tempe, Ariz

Cycling Jam
The idea of allowing more space for people to ride their bicycles in a city in which bike riding is next to impossible for at least three months a year certainly seems ill-advised [“Lane Change” Sept. 4, City Weekly]. While the setup is safer for cyclists, it ought to be followed by a plan to sweep the bike lanes clean following any significant snowfall. Last winter, it was difficult to park on 300 South between 200 and 300 West because there was never a time when the curbs were emptied for the sweepers to clear away. Some cars didn’t move all winter, as the accumulated snow would attest.

The other problem I have observed is that SLC drivers cannot parallel park, thereby eliminating several more parking spaces. All in all, the situation ain’t a pretty one. As a native New Yorker (and a former denizen of Chicago, Las Vegas and Sacramento), I understand that the obvious solution would be a massive campaign to get visitors to the downtown area to take public transportation. That plan requires more transportation units running longer hours. A family of five getting out of the [insert event here] 10 minutes after the last train has pulled away or the last bus has departed is either going to drive next time or stay home and watch the event on television.

I live a block from Smith’s Ballpark and, being basically a not-nice person, I revel in watching people scramble for parking. The obvious solution, to me, would be to use the lengthy offseason to erect a parking structure at West Temple and 1300 South. Yes, it would mean uprooting a few trees, but the parking fees would more than offset the cost by the end of the first season—some of these people happily fork over $5 to $10 for a parking spot, which I suppose is cheaper than taking the train if you have a large family. In the spirit of not pointing out a problem without offering a solution, I suggest a season travel package for bus and light rail.
Su Boddie
Salt Lake City

Thanks for Nothing
I’d just like the author and editor of “Mayor Velodrome” [Private Eye, Sept. 4, City Weekly] to know that I didn’t enjoy reading it, simply put. It seemed like something I could write, and that’s saying something.

So much criticism and zero suggestions or ways to make it better—nothing. By the end, I was extremely confused, as it felt like I was reading a personal complaint blog rather than a news article. Now, I understand that the author is extremely old and hates all new things, even if they are liked and used by most other large cities, but come on. Try to be open.

I’ve never once rode my bicycle on 300 South, let alone noticed any of the shops on the street. Now I’m more than likely to shop there because of the bike lanes.
Robert Gilmore
Salt Lake City

Correction: In “Unhappy Campers” [Sept. 11, City Weekly], Don Hackett’s role on the Camperworld board was misstated. Hackett oversees public relations for the company.