Member Feedback

Dangerous behavior

I was horrified to learn that there are absolutely no laws in Colorado to restrict children from riding as passengers on motorcycles! An adult who carries a child on the back of a motorcycle is choosing to risk that child's life. Even a small bump can throw a child off the bike into the path of the cars behind.

I fervently urge AAA to pressure our legislators for laws to restrict and prevent children from riding as passengers on motorcycles. We have laws requiring proper restraints for children in automobiles; shouldn't there be some protection for children when adults make stupid decisions to allow children on motorcycles?

—Gerry B., via email

Editor's Note: This member is correct that there is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers in Colorado. State law requires riders and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet, and eye protection is required for riders and passengers of all ages.


Roads and the state lottery

Recently, tax increases or added vehicle registration fees were being proposed for highway and infrastructure expenditures. Why not instead use the funds obtained through the Colorado lottery sales?

The state lottery is voluntarily used by both Colorado citizens and tourists. To date, it has brought in over $2 billion for recreation, parks and open space. Highways and local roadways are used by more people. The sooner this is implemented, the sooner funds can be used to pay for highway and road projects without creating new burdens for taxpayers.

—Stephen S., Littleton

Editor's Note: See page 6 and pages 49–51 in this issue for more on the subject of transportation funding and an opportunity for readers to present their own ideas.

Responsible pet travel

I work at a pet-friendly hotel (the Doubletree Hotel in Durango). Please don't check in and then leave your dog alone in the room. They can make a lot of noise and can even damage the room.

If we get a complaint from another guest about a dog barking, that dog becomes our problem, as we are obligated to keep peace and quiet. Removing a dog from a room is very scary for us and for the dog.

Help pet-friendly hotels stay pet-friendly by not leaving your dog in the room alone.

—Judy W., Durango

Make room for big rigs

I enjoy many of the articles in EnCompass and find them informative and useful. The "Make Room for Big Rigs" article [May/June, page 12] offered several tips about defensive and courteous driving while sharing the road with big rigs. Certain tips may also apply to motorcycles and other vehicles that are smaller or larger than the one you are driving.

The article ended "By understanding the limitations of other vehicles around them, responsible drivers can enhance safety for all road users." Sounds good. Just can't do much about the limitations of other drivers, though, other than expect them to do something stupid!

—Karen S., via email

I would prefer that the big rigs make room for us! My husband and I travel the I-70 corridor all year from Denver to Vail and have noticed that safety is more and more of an issue. The big rigs spew debris behind them, change speeds constantly and block vision for other drivers.

I see no reason they should ever be in any other lane but the farthest right. I believe safety statistics would improve dramatically.

I also would like to see restrictions on how many trailers a rig can pull. We have seen as many as three huge trailers.

—Susan S., Breckenridge

Airport security

I fly by myself once or twice a year. Since I have a total knee replacement, I am always pulled out of the line to be wanded. While I am in the glass booth waiting my turn, my possessions are in a plastic tub stopped at the end of the belt. Other travellers are grabbing their things and rushing past it. It would be quite easy for someone to take my purse.

I think, at the very least, a security person should be stationed at the end of the belt to safeguard unattended possessions.

—Jean R., via email

Less oxygen? Yes!

The comment titled "Less oxygen? No!" [May/June, page 9] was correct that oxygen composes approximately 21% of air. However, as the pressure drops, the number of molecules per litre of air decreases, which means there really is less oxygen at altitude.

—Marc B., via email

Let us hear from you Reader comments and questions are welcome. An editor's note may be printed along with your letter, if deemed necessary. Letters under 200 words are considered first. Letters published in EnCompass do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AAA Colorado and, due to space limitations, we reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Send letters to the editor, EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Fax to: 303-300-7710. E-mail: editor@colorado.aaa.com. Letters become property of AAA Colorado and are not returned.