Lawson's no-bicycle policy denounced

MOBikeFed member Scott Gregory wrote this letter, recently published in Sun-News of the Northland:
I am one of the cyclists who attended Ed Chasteen's trial in your city. I am disappointed that Ed was found guilty under such an antiquated, restrictive and discriminatory law. Houston has an ordinance that forbids making goo-goo eyes at women on the street, but they wisely choose not to enforce it. Sounds like the prosecutor you canned was the smartest guy in the county.

Ed was quoted ... as saying that he would seek friendlier places to have breakfast. We all will. ...

Your city manager has tried to put a better face on the sorry affair by saying that Lawson is considering a new ordinance. From what I saw in the courtroom and heard from you and others, I doubt that it will happen. ...

I am president of the City Council of Roeland Park, Kan. We have no restrictions on bicycles and are working toward making our city even more bike-friendly. We built a skateboard park for our young people too. I offer that information to let you know that I understand the problems city officials face in dealing with the few reactionary citizens.


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