Letter to Editor
Phyllis Apelbaum, President, Messenger Service Assn. ofIllinois.
Chicagi Tribune, August 24, 1992
A recent ordinance passed by the Chicago City Council is one that shouldbenefit most everyone who sets foot on downtown streets. It mandates thatmessengers wear helmets, have a large ID number on their back, obtain alicense and have liability insurance.
We feel it is important for the public to know that the messenger servicecompanies, led by the Messenger Service Association of Illinois, supportedpassage of this ordinance and feel victorious about the new regulationsthey helped develop.
The good news is somewhat overshadowed by the negative image of bicyclemessengers. While there is no excuse for rude behavior or failing to obeytraffic regulations, most messengers are law-abiding, hardworking individuals.They brave the elements year-round to serve demands by businesses for quickservice. The majority-the ones who obey the law-deserve a little more understandingand respect.
It is our hope that the regulations will not only create a new era ofimproved safety but a more respectful relationship between bike messengersand pedestrians.
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