By Bob Levey
Washington Post, February 17, 1989
Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to introduce WMCA. No, that'snot a radio station. However, it is a beacon. A beacon of hope.
WMCA stands for Washington Metropolitan Courier Association. It's theprofessional association representing bicycle messenger companies in theWashington area.
I've written long (and less than lovingly) about the people who workfor these companies. In my gentler moments, I've called them law-flouting,obscenity-spewing, bath-needing, wild-riding, pedestrian-smashing madmen.
I've described how they run down defenseless old ladies in intersections.I've recounted how they bash in the windows of motorists who point outthat the messenger has just run a red light. And I've wondered whethera pedestrian has to die before the cops take the messenger problem seriously.
Happily, WMCA has decided to take the problem seriously -- before someonedies.
WMCA is not a new organization. It has existed for about seven years-- approximately the period during which the D.C. messenger business hasflourished. However, WMCA hasn't done much to promote safety in the industry,or much to take a good look in the mirror.
That changed as of a couple of months ago, when Vassil Yanco becameWMCA's new president.
His first call after taking office was to me, to ask if he could comesee me.
That was a little like Jonah calling Whales Unlimited and saying, "Hi,can I pop over for a visit?"
I am not as big as a whale -- yet. But I am not above recognizing asincere peace offering, either.
I met with Vassil Yanco in my office and talked out the whole subjectof messengers for more than an hour. I am delighted to report that Vassilwas neither defensive nor offensive. He knows there's a problem. A bigproblem. And so do the other owners who belong to WMCA.
The best news of all is that Vassil accepted a suggestion from me.
No, I didn't propose open-heart surgery with a rusty rake.
I proposed that WMCA member-owners require their messengers to mounta bumper sticker on their bikes. The sticker would show the name and phonenumber of that messenger's boss, in much the same way that bumper stickerson trucks invite motorists to report unsafe driving to a central switchboard.The bike messenger bumper sticker would give innocent pedestrians the oneimportant recourse they now don't have: a chance to get justice.
With no arm twisting, Vassil said WMCA "will be glad to considerthe idea." He said he expected no resistance from WMCA members --and not much resistance from messengers themselves.
How do you feel about bumper stickers for bike messengers? Do you agreewith me that a way to report bike messenger atrocities would be a giantstep toward reducing those atrocities? Drop me a line in care of The WashingtonPost, Washington, D.C., 20071, and let me know what you think. Or if you'drather write directly to Vassil Yanco, he's at P.O. Box 2058, Reston, Va.,22090.
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