I decided to push through my fears and write the op-ed and I’m so excited to announce that it ran in today’s paper! No matter what else happens during the course of this challenge, I feel good knowing I will be able to look back and say that I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and took tangible steps (no matter how small) to improve my community. I’ve said it a thousand times already and will likely say it a thousand more: it never ceases to amaze me how much biking has changed me and my life in general.
I have mixed feelings about the fact that my blog wasn’t mentioned (I had included it in a byline). I’m relieved not to have any hateful commenters driven to my site, but then again I would have liked for people in the area to know more about going car-lite in Central Florida.
Anyways, here it is – let me know what you think!
Hi Angie!
I have been following, on Commute Orlando, your decision to write this Op-Ed and I’m glad you did, it is great!! Now, if the rest of us (like lazy me!!) would get off our duffs and follow along with what you have done, things would be great and cycling on the roads in Orlando would be a lot more comfortable and less scary.
Thank you for a job very well done!!!! And, thank you for this blog, 4onaQuarter, I check it each day.
Stix Cook
Angie: by writing such a heartfelt piece; the context will put the “haters” in an awkward position — of criticizing a mother for simply wishing to get around town in a healthy and economical manner with her kids. If they harp about how “dangerous” it is, one only needs to point to where the real danger originates, and tell them to help solve the problem.
Don’t worry! We’ve got your back!
A great photo of Angie smiling greeted me early this morning. I can’t think of a better way to start the day, if I have to read about cycling in the paper.
Angie, you did a fabulous job. Your writing is so well done, it’s a pleasure to see your thoughts in print. Such an even-tempered piece that I can’t believe someone would post any form of rebuttal at all.
The headline was just perfect, too!
love you girl! You are bad ass
The headline is unlikely to draw in the usual cyclist haters, since variations on the word “bicycle” are absent.
You’re really making it hard for the bike-haters with that piece. I don’t know how they’ll find fault with what you wrote (and I loved it!).
awesome!
I waited all day before I posted.
The good news is that, as Mighk said, the usual cycle haters probably didn’t see it, since it wasn’t controversial enough for the web editor to link to it from TOS homepage like the other articles were.
The bad news is that the usual cycle haters probably didn’t see it, since it wasn’t controversial enough for the web editor to link to it from TOS homepage like the other articles were.
The old folks, that still get the paper maybe saw it.
Because it didn’t get wide readership online, like Keri’s My Word last year, people don’t get to see how the haters really show their behinds because neither My Word said anything that a reasonable person could disagree with.
All is not lost. I may be able to get the attention of the web editor and get it more attention.
Should I?
Congrats, Angie.
Great job! Increasing visibility for cyclists is always a good thing – on the road or in the media.
Very good article.
Reminds me of the adage ‘you catch more flies with honey…’
Congratulations!
A nicely written reasoned response to the blind stupidity of most motorists.
Angie! What a great piece. I love the closing like of the Op Ed.
ALSO! I haven’t forgotten about the FOAQ blog post I promised – it’s on my list <3
Errr….closing LINE…
You knew what I meant!
Thanks!
Thank you all so much for your positive comments!!
@Eric – I know what you are saying. The downside to no “haters” is that it likely means they didn’t even see it.
@Emma Oh, can I ever relate!! So many things to write about, so little time!!