Looking both ways
I want to address some comments presented by Brandon Blische in his article, “Walkers Beware,” one of which especially concerns me about pedestrian safety. Blische starts his article complaining of a New York legislation that penalizes pedestrians for wearing headphones while crossing the street. Because he opposes it, I assume that he thinks it is all right for pedestrians to enter into an intersection with the headphones on. Isn’t the idea behind the proposal one of safety? It is against the law for drivers to drive with headphones on because they need to hear sirens, horns and shouts. When Blische is on his bike, what does he do when he is behind two people walking in the middle of the bike path with headphones on and they cannot hear his shouts from behind? From the walkers’ point of view, people on bikes are the enemy, the same way he feels about cars.
The following sentence is my real concern: “I am grateful for the wonderful policy on the campus, that allows pedestrians to always have the right of way.” Really? I guess that explains why students, without looking up, walk into the intersection at PG2 even when a car is two-thirds of the way across the intersection. I thought the rule was that no car can enter the intersection when a pedestrian is ready to cross. Similarly, no pedestrian can enter a crosswalk when a car is in the intersection. University Police should be aware of and responsible for the perception on the campus. If the traffic laws have been suspended on the campus, as Blische states, then the police should send out a letter stating so. It is necessary for the safety of all concerned that a clear policy be stated and enforced.
David BigioAssociate professorMechanical engineering
From the Doctors Community Hospital
I would like to respond to a recent staff editorial, “Grim Prognosis” (Feb. 8). The editorial discusses the future of emergency medical care for University of Maryland students, staff and visitors. I was quite surprised that a key resource in the area was not recognized as an option for emergency care, namely Doctors Community Hospital and its Emergency Center. Located in Lanham, DCH is less than five miles from the campus and is significantly closer than either Holy Cross Hospital or Prince George’s Hospital Center. Our Emergency Center has been recognized repeatedly for providing excellent and timely emergency care for our community. In fact, we have been caring for students and staff since 1975. Our physician staff has also participated in giving lectures to the Student Health Center physicians and P.A.s on emergency medicine topics. Regardless of the fate of the Washington Adventist Hospital, your readers should be aware that Doctors Community Hospital is committed to serving the university community. I invite any member of your staff for a visit to our Emergency Center, which is state-of-the-art.
Steven Remsen, M.D.Director of emergency medicineDoctors Community Hospital
The success of UMD boxing
Thank you for a complimentary piece on the success of the University of Maryland Boxing Club. Everyone who attended “The Rumble in Ritchie” this past Saturday evening knows what a huge success it was. We were able to honor many former Terp boxers and had some very special celebrity appearances. The success of the event is largely a result of the hard work of the club officers, but none of their work would have come to fruition without the support of Linda Clement, vice president for student affairs; Jay Gilchrist, director of Campus Recreation Services; and Brian Kile, assistant director, sport clubs. In last Friday’s article, I characterized “the administration” as not supporting our cause, and this is clearly not the case. They have realized the significance of boxing at this university and are continuing to work with us to accomplish our goals.
Luke RunionSeniorSpanish
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