2000 Honda S2000

Bikes vs. Cars
Cathy Nikkel argues persuasively for tolerance and community among drivers and cyclists. As Nikkel observes, "Now adults top the statistics" of those injured or killed in auto/bike crashes. It was perhaps a bit disingenuous, however, in the last paragraph of her editorial to suggest that cyclists enjoy an unfair advantage by being afforded "voluntary" bicycle-training programs as opposed to the "required driver's license for motorists." Of those adults she cites as the victims of accidents, it's likely nearly all possessed valid driver's licenses.

My point? The burden of care in any cycle/car mix must be on the part of the motorist. A 25-pound, half-horse vehicle will never win an encounter with even the most underpowered econobox.
Scott Lawrence-Richards
Cedar Falls, Iowa

I commend you for raising some important issues in your January article on the escalating conflict between bicyclists and motorists. Regrettably, despite its conciliatory title, "Can't We All Just Get Along?" it promotes an adversarial attitude, suggesting that cyclists' access to the nation's highways is an impediment to "our freedom of mobility." In fact, most adult cyclists are also motorists, and some (like myself) are even avid car hobbyists. Laws protecting cyclists' rights to the road guarantee everyone's choice of the most appropriate form of transportation, and banning cyclists from roadways only forces more people into cars, creating more traffic congestion. I've logged many thousands of miles as a cyclist in a heavily congested urban area, and my presence on the road has never created more than a fleeting delay to motorists.

Whatever the laws may be in any jurisdiction, many motorists take it upon themselves to enforce their idea of the law by shouting at cyclists to "get off the road" or, worse, by physically intimidating them. Admittedly, many cyclists share the blame for the rising level of hostility. Improved law enforcement could help, but the issue of licensing is more problematic than your article suggests. Should a 10-year-old need a license to ride to the playground? The car hobby's mantra has long been freedom of mobility. Motor Trend should recognize that accommodating cyclists on our roadways contributes to that laudable goal.
Jim Stone
Alexandria, Va.

The issue seems hardly worth debating. Of course, bicycles have a right to share the road. The question is why would the bicyclist want to? The danger of injury and risk to one's own life suggests that the bicyclist would choose a different location or means of travel. The swimmer has a right to dive into shark-infested waters. The kite enthusiast has a right to fly that kite in a thunderstorm. The late-night stroller has a right to walk dark alleys. But no person with any sense of self-protection or safety would choose to engage in these practices. I happen to believe the more appropriate motto in this case is, "It Doesn't Matter Who's Right, But Who's Left." People need to realize that simply because some activity is permissible, it's not necessarily desirable.
John Lehmer
Salt Lake City, Utah

Honda's Rowdy Roadster
Please tell Honda to badge the S2000 an Acura. Placing this vehicle in line with the saturated Honda coupe line would not give it the justice it deserves. If this car is to compete against the likes of the Boxster and Z3, then why not give it the stature it deserves? Would the public have reacted to a VW Boxster? Such a vehicle would help give the Acura division more of the perception of the "spirited performance" it's been seeking since the early '90s.
Michael Birlin
El Paso, Texas