A Response to "Tacks scattered on Woodside roads are hazard to bicyclists"

The attacks against street riding cyclists continues, this time in San Francisco.

This report revolves around Woodside road, a popular place where cyclists commonly bike up and down the mountain, and more often than not, find sharp tacks in their tires that either pop or run the risk of popping their tires while they ride.

After numerous reports from bikers finding these sharp objects lodged in their tires, the cops were called. Once notified of the situation, the police handed the situation over to California Highway Patrol who have jurisdiction over the roads. Once in their hands, the situation was "handled" by a sweeping of the road.

Using a large street sweeper to remove small tacks would seem to be a foolish solution to most, however, the department instead said, "Each time we sent crews to investigate, but were unable to find any tacks or nails on the road. The last couple of times, we also spoke with several cyclists who hadn't noticed anything during their rides."

Although the police did not take their claims seriously, the riders and the community, thankfully, did not agree.

Several of the comments left on this article were directed at the community asking for action. Others were directed at the attacker, most calling the person leaving the tacks a "terrorist". Altogether, most of the responses were on the side of the bikers - many people claiming the "terrorist" was deranged and a maniac. There was quite a bit of name calling.

However, there was one disagreeing opinion that was posted and received a significant number of likes. More likes than any of those defending the cyclists.

This gentleman took it upon himself to title his authorship as "Mr. Tackman," an act of spite toward the cyclists and their followers. Mr. Tackman comes from the point of view of a local, someone who lives on the roads where bicyclists commonly ride. Thus his opinion is credible and logical, and, clearly, several people agree with his points. There were many comments such as this that held logical arguments for pointing figures and stating who is right and wrong. It was commonly the locals who lived in the area that found the cyclists to be irritating and unnecessary. Thus, although the locals may not have done the attack, this act was a symbolic cry from the locals for cyclists to leave their land.

Although there were many comments taking one side or the other, one comment stuck out to me in particular because it was on the side of community - a side dedicated to establishing communal values and relationships.

This comment really resonated with me. Instead of asserting blame, defending or changing the story, or showing resentment toward the police, this "protector" uses this outlet to inform cyclists and anti-cyclists alike that they are involved in a community and these actions are tearing apart the community of bikers and neighbors. An act of hate is not justified here, instead, discussing differences and working as a community to make change is just.

I think this is such a powerful response because it is not accusatory but, instead, meant to unify the community. This is the kind of response that can unite a community and engender change in the form of laws or cameras to find the individuals who wish to hurt and stop cyclists from riding.