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Helmetless bicyclist hurt his message's credibility

While I applaud his concern for the environment, Jay Lennartson ("Living in Harmony," Jan. 21) lost me instantly when I saw the photo of him riding his bicycle without a helmet on busy Spring Garden Street. It is irresponsible for anyone, especially a college professor, to ride a bike anywhere without a helmet. Apparently, his definition of sustainability doesn't include health and its economics since most severe brain injury victims eventually require Medicare/Medicaid (public) funding for their care.

I feel that I am qualified to comment on these issues as past and founding medical director of the Moses Cone Brain Injury Rehabilitation programs and a daily bike commuter. I'll leave the inadvisability of riding with a heavily laden backpack (rather than rack bags) for another time.

Dr. Sam Pelligra
Greensboro

Comments (13)

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neocon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Let's see now... we need the nanny state to oversee bike riders because if they get hurt they will most likely end up on the public dole?...Got it.

TarHeel1977 [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Great job neocon, that's real smart to complain about people promoting safety devices that have been proven to save lives. What's next, some ravings about how Bill Clinton is responsible for the liberal seat belt laws conspiracy?

TarHeel1977 [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Neo I almost forgot to mention that your continued use of the phrase "sli... Bill Clinton" is so clever. I mean I never heard anyone use Slick Willy to describe Bill Clinton before in my entire life. Did you come up with that yourself? I mean it is so freaking funny every single time you use it in every single one of your posts. It is almost like a time warp back to 1992 when that phrase was first used. I just cannot stop laughing at how clever you are. Get some new material.

DemonDeacon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Tarheel,
Haven't seen you post much, but I love these two. neocon is such a bright boy to only have a 70 IQ. When he gets off at MacDonalds, he logs on and tells us about the "libberals" who are ruining this country. He has no idea how even those who may agree with his rants, still think he's stupid.
Keep posting...you'll love some of neo's other posts--they're doozies.

neocon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

I have no problem with "promoting safety devices". Where I have a problem is doing so under the guise that they may hurt themselves and require public assistance. This of course, makes it a concern for each and every one of us since it will ultimately fall on our shoulders to pay for the treatment of the injured, right?

Should we take the next logical step and require welfare families to have hysterectomies and vasectomies because we will ultimately have to pay for their offspring? (I already know what your reaction to that will be, so spare me the usual liberal claptrap about 'down on their luck for several generations' due, no doubt, Bush policies)

**************************************************

Slick Willie (the handle, not the man) has been around since 1980. I wish I could take credit for it, but I'll give dues to an Arkansas reporter who saw his (sli...uh Clinton's) ability to lie his way out of some tough situations. Apparently, he never knew the what meaning of the word "is" is when he was governor either.

***********************************************

World traveler, run along now and play with your Nintendo wii.

TarHeel1977 [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

SOB! Oh no the mighty neocon has spanked us liberals again and used his superior logic to somehow come to the conclusion that all liberals own a Nintendo Wii... What are you talking about neocon? I guess rambling like a madman can be fun. Okay let me give it a shot... um now run along neocon and go play with your model train set! Ha beat that one smart guy!

LastVOR [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

As a serious biker for several years I agree it is irresponsible to ride without a helmet, just as it would be for motorcycle riders. Biking is inherently dangerous due to traffic, weather, pamement irregularities, etc. I know many bikers who have crashed and had their helmment crushed like an eggshell. Without a doubt it saved their lives. This is not an issue of who pays for an injury or an issue of liberal vs. conservative. It's an issue of responsibility to yourself, family,and friends. End of sermon.

neocon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Tarheel, I gotta admit my knees grew weak and my heart raced as I was blown away by you intellect. It'll take me a while to recover, but I'll try anyway. In the world of insults you are minor league. I've heard better from high schoolers.

The world traveler states: "When he gets off at MacDonalds, he logs on and tells us about the "libberals"[sic] who are ruining this country"...I find it hard to believe this comes from an adult, hence my suggestion he go play with his Nintendo wii. I really don't know, it may be a 'gameboy'.


TarHeel1977 [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

"...I was blown away by you intellect." Great grammar there slick.

DemonDeacon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Tarheel,
Sorry about the State game, but YOUR posts make you one fine Tarheel. The miserable life that neocon must live is his "hell on earth". Can you imagine knowing, much less associating with someone whose mind is in constant lock down? His little world is black and white, with no gray area whatsoever, and he cannot fathom that people actually THINK outside that world.
Keep posting Tarheel, from THE Demon Deacon!

neocon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Like I said, minor league. (yawn)

TarHeel1977 [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

And yet you took time out of your busy day of watching Fox News to check back... again. We'll see you real soon sweetie.

neocon [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

"Sweetie"?...you're movin' too fast for me darlin'. Aren't we supposed to meet at starbucks first?

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