Member Feedback

More about motorcycles

Thank you for the reminders to motorists to watch for motorcycles, and of the importance of motorcycle safety training, maintenance and proper riding gear [July/August, page 30-31]. The Ignacio Chamber of Commerce hosts Ignacio Bike Week, the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally, from August 25 through Sept. 1 and many of our motorcycle tourists are fellow Coloradans. We very much appreciate the focus on safely sharing our state's stunning byways.
—Ann Mooney, Ignacio Bike Week Advisory Committee

In the Travel Tips & Trends column [July/August, page 31] under tips for motorcyclists you say that "Eye protection is essential." It is my understanding that under Colorado law, eye protection is required. Less than 50% of motorcyclists conform to this law.
—Sandy W., via email

In the July/August issue of EnCompass [page 8], an editor's note to a letter indicated that motorcycle passengers who are under age 18 are required to wear a helmet. This is only true if the driver is also under 18.
—Susan G., via email

I would like to respond to Gerry B. [July/August, page 8] who vehemently urged AAA to pressure lawmakers to pass a law banning children from riding as passengers on motorcycles. While it is true that accidents happen and people of all ages are injured every year riding motorcycles, why should the government be involved?

As gasoline prices continue to rise, there are going to be more and more motorcycles and scooters on the roads because they get greater gas mileage. Drivers are going to have to live with that and learn to be more attentive to all the traffic around them.
—Michelle B., Clifton

Changing money overseas

In June, my husband and I visited the Denver AAA office. We would like the AAA management to know what excellent service the lady and gentleman gave us. They were efficient, charming, and the information they gave us was invaluable. Thank you very much.

A letter from one of your members [March/April, page 12] stated that they had difficulty changing a $100 note in Germany. We had the same problem in the USA! If any of your members come to England, small-denomination notes will be much easier to change.
—R. A. Davies, via email

Editor's Note: In most countries, large denominations can present difficulties for retailers, and sometimes even for banks and other currency exchange outlets. AAA Colorado recommends taking a small amount of local currency when traveling, along with a credit card or preloaded money card. AAA TipPaks containing the equivalent of $100 in notes and coins are available at most branch offices in a variety of foreign currencies.

Big rigs and road funding

In response to Susan S. [July/August, Member Feedback]: If trucking companies restrict the number of trailers the big rigs pull, then the cost of the products they are hauling will increase. It'll take two or three times as long, or there will be two more big rigs on the road using that much more fuel, which will drive the cost of the product up—to say nothing about the wear and tear on the roads.
—Linda D., via email

I really think that the trucking industry needs to have their own highway system. Cars and semis do not belong on the same roads.
—Douglas S., via email

We need to pursue more transportation options throughout the state. Cars won't go away any time soon, but more and more people ride bicycles to the bus, commute on foot and bicycle and carpool. The more we further our transit system and create safe bicycle routes, the better for all of us. No new road construction should happen without affiliated bikeways and transit.

One of the fairest ways to charge those who use the most gas and drive the most miles is through gas taxes. Gas taxes may have only been 4 cents/gallon in 1956, where if a gallon cost 25 cents, that's 16% of the cost. Today's 18 cents per gallon makes up less than 5% of the cost.

Gasoline taxes are a reasonable and equitable way to fund the roads. They are far less intrusive than transponder-based pricing. Let's not turn our back yet on a system that works.
—Elaine E., Niwot

Correction

The article "Colorado Gold Mines" [July/August] contained two errors. The Country Boy Mine is not the only authentic mine tour in Breckenridge—the Carbonate Mine also offers tours. In addition, tours at the Edgar Mine in Idaho Springs are by appointment, not daily. We apologize for the inaccuracy.

Let us hear from you Letters less than 200 words are considered first. 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.