This letter is in response to Todd Blythe's letter concerning the University's ticket policy for riding bicycles on the sidewalk. First, let me say that I'm no stranger to University Police Services tickets. Whenever I see one plastered on my windshield, many friends will tell you that my usually calm demeanor gets thrown out the window, followed by a string of expletives and revelations about how the University must have hired 20 new ticket-givers so some top administrator could have an in-ground pool next summer. Although I've never received a biking ticket, I've had some close calls and a few friends who would have preferred to spend $70 plus elsewhere.

Your conclusion that you shouldn't have received the ticket because no one was in danger, though, was poorly made. The idea behind the ticket is to deter bike riding on the sidewalk; safety is just an end result. In this light, the ticket did exactly what it was supposed to do -- make you think twice about riding on any sidewalk. So, on your next trek, you will ponder whether to save a little time and trouble on the sidewalk or $70 on the street. I know because, unfortunately, I have to think about it too.