The Editor:

OK, it’s spring, and as the weather gets better and better, all of us fair-weather bicycle riders are going to be getting out there.
So along with activating our muscle-memory for riding, let’s also activate our mental-memory for safety.
Let’s not be the person who blows through stop signs, fails to yield at pedestrian crosswalks or rides more than two abreast when with friends.
A good rule of thumb is: If you ride in the street, obey both car and bicycling rules of the road. If you ride on the sidewalk, obey both pedestrian and bicycling rules.
Cars aren’t very forgiving if you’re struck or ride into one, nor are pedestrians if hit by a bicycle on the sidewalk.
So be careful, be predictable, be visible. We have to share the road with cars and the sidewalk with people, so let’s do it with grace and courtesy. Good riding.

Michael Smith
Blaine

The Editor:

I’ve been following the train stop/station issue with interest, as I am partial to the rail mode with its nostalgia and tradition.
Maybe it’s just my take on the issue, but the more I hear about the underpinning depending on the Canadian population in the Fraser Valley, the more I think that a station on the Canadian side makes sense.
British Columbia might inquire about annexing Whatcom County in order to place their new station where it would most suit the Americans who are on the train bandwagon, ie. Blaine.

R. Owston
New Westminster, B.C.

The Editor:

Our sincere thanks go out to all who sent cards of condolence at the recent passing of our mother, Barbara. We appreciate the generous donations to Whatcom Hospice and Stafholt-Good Samaritan in her memory. Thank you for the flowers, plants and gifts of food for the celebration of life following her graveside service.

Sincerely,
Steve and Marty Baker and families
Blaine

The Editor:

As a resident of Bellingham I attended the government agency meeting on the last week to learn about the environmental review process for the Gateway Pacific Terminal. Upon my arrival, I realized I was attending the Bellingham Circus. It sickened me to see parents using their kids as props to oppose the terminal. I was shocked by the hostile tone many took with the moderator and panel members. These agency staff are experienced professionals in charge of a serious and complex task. They should not have to act as ringmasters to the often-intimidating and hysterical presence in the crowd.
How dare the first questioner speak for the whole county as she did? Her ignorance of the EIS process, project facts and lack of basic respect is representative of the loud but minority opposition I have encountered.
These radical opponents could not even follow the simple rules laid out by the moderator at the beginning of the meeting. Many had no respect for the process, the government agencies, or their fellow county residents. Even with the presence of numerous opposition groups, I still could not find a single person who was able to show me proof that coal dust is or will be a problem here in Whatcom County, even after the decades of coal being transported through our county daily.

Chuck Crawford

Bellingham

 

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com