decorahnews.com readers are in a talkative mood

Suddenly decorahnews.com readers are in a mood to comment about a variety of issues.  In addition to several comments about the proposed Short Street road project, we have had comments about the bike trail and bike riding downtown.

Jeremy e-mails: "I really don't understand why people in this community feel the need to constantly bash the individuals in this town who choose to bike. Not all bikers are breaking the law!  Why aren't there pictures posted on this website of bikers obeying the laws?  Why do people think that since there is a bike trail in town that is the only place (bike riders) can ride?  The bike trail doesn't go everywhere a biker needs to go!  Why do people constantly complain that bikers don't pay for the roads - WRONG - I pay my vehicle registration, I pay my vehicle insurance, I spend $75.00 - $100.00 in fuel a week and I have my vehicles serviced in Decorah!

People need to realize that bikes are going to be around for a long time in this community, allowing people to save money and become healthy... so instead of ruining the community by constantly posting negative things about bikes on this website maybe we all as a community could focus on the positive things this community is doing! Thanks!

Meanwhile, Nori e-mails: "In response to Ellen:  bikers DO pay taxes:  federal, state, sales, and likely property, as well.  Here's an idea:  why don't we get rid of farm subsidies to help pay for damage to roads and bridges done by those "commodity" vehicles you reference?

In response to Kelly:  wasn't this already covered?  Local property owners have to pay whenever streets are improved.  Bite the bullet and get over it.  If you want to have a business in a thriving small town with safe, accessible streets and sidewalks for your customers, then you'll need to pay for it.  

in response to Dale:  Yes, education is key.  in fact, why don't you volunteer to stand on a street corner and "educate" everyone you see about every law violated.  That way, the police are free to respond to REAL crimes like domestic violence and Meth production.

And just to pre-empt any other letters regarding Luther's wind turbine, the Habitat for Humanity house on Division Street, or anything else folks are grumbling about:  Let's give thanks for our beautiful town and enjoy what it has to offer.  Stop complaining.  Take a deep breath and volunteer at a nursing home or a school.  Visit your neighbors.  Take a walk and feel the leaves crunch under your feet.  Do something POSITIVE instead of focusing on the negative.  Please!