Local Views on District STD Testing and a Lawyer's Run-In With Police

Dodging Bicycles in D.C.

I live on a main avenue in the District. If I had a buck for every time I was almost hit by a speeding bicycle, I'd have a nice nest egg by now.

Recently, I was crossing an intersection near my home. I had a green light, plus the walk sign. Suddenly, a bicycle shot down the hill, ran the red light and missed me by a hair. If this cyclist had hit me at that speed, I'm sure I would have been maimed -- or worse.

Another day, a cyclist almost hit me while I was waiting for a bus on the sidewalk. She told me I should stay to one side of the sidewalk. We had words. I told her she should be in the street. It got ugly.

On another occasion, a young man hit my friend and knocked him to the ground. This cyclist never asked whether my friend was hurt. Instead, he said: "Oh, mister! Do ya think my bike is damaged?"

I have researched the city's laws regarding biking on sidewalks. The mayor's office says there is a law barring bicycles from the sidewalks downtown, but they do not have to stay in the street in other areas of the city. I wish somebody would change that. I'm tired of looking over my shoulder every time I take a step outside.

We all wonder sometimes how we will die when our time comes, and over the years I've thought about it. But leaving this Earth because of a bike? Who would have thought?

-- Diane Gibbs, Washington

Cause and Effect in a U Street Arrest

In his Aug. 9 Local Opinions commentary, "My 'Crime' on U Street? Offending the Police," Pepin Andrew Tuma took pains to paint the police officers who arrested him as dangerous. Certainly, if true, their lying about the circumstances of his arrest is troubling. We hold up officers of the law as role models for good behavior. That being said, let me offer Mr. Tuma another way of looking at things.

On many days, police officers have a thankless job. They go out and do what needs to be done at great risk to themselves. There is always the chance that they will not make it home to their families. At times they receive gratitude from the public for this service, but often they do not.

Mr. Tuma is an adult and a lawyer. You would think this qualifies him for responsible behavior. Though he admitted that his behavior toward the police was neither respectful nor smart, I don't see him taking responsibility for his hateful words. And they were hateful. Not illegal, as he stated, but they were baiting. Mr. Tuma used the word "juvenile." Are you kidding me? He chanted, "I hate the police."

Yes, the police should not have risen to the bait, but here is where the days on end of bearing ingratitude come in. Maybe the officer had already had his fill of disrespect, slurs and bad attitudes for the week. Make no mistake, I am not condoning an abuse of power on the part of the police. If what Mr. Tuma said is true, the officers involved need to be held accountable.

But guess what? I bet Mr. Tuma will watch what comes out of his mouth from now on.

-- Annyce Andresen, Alexandria

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Pepin Andrew Tuma's "crime on U Street" was simple stupidity. As an adult, especially a lawyer, you'd think he'd know better than to harass the police. That'll get you arrested every time.

-- Tom Nisbet, Alexandria