Just Sayin': Drivers, watch out for bicyclists

Now that the weather is warmer, more people are outside riding their bicycles. Drivers of cars and trucks need to recognize that bicycles have a right to share the road with them in a safe manner. But bicycles also are considered moving vehicles and should observe all of the traffic laws, such as keeping to the right, signaling, and stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.

Suffolk County has a 3-foot-distance law that requires auto drivers to keep that much space away from cyclists as they pass. Unfortunately, what I see and hear are cars impatient with bicyclists by getting too close, honking, cutting them off, and harassing them with obscenities. In some cases, drivers have hurled items at cyclists.

Please be extra vigilant in being aware of bicyclists and pedestrians. When you see them, slow down. We all want to enjoy being outdoors without risking our lives.

Karen Gellert, Northport

The writer is president of the Huntington Bicycle Club.

Voting security isn't always done same way

I think there has been a misunderstanding of how voting security works in Suffolk County ["We need to redefine what security means," Just Sayin', March 21]. In school elections, they are still using paper books (at least in some districts) and should compare your signature to one that's sort of hidden from your sight while you sign. If they don't check, they're not doing it right.

In normal primaries and general elections, Suffolk does this on specially programmed iPads, and has two inspectors agree that your signature matches what they have on record. Also, the inspectors are to ask you for your name and address, look them up, then have you sign.

I don't know what training school district poll workers get. Regardless, once you sign in and get a ballot, no one will give you another one outside of a spoiled ballot situation. I understand why the reader is concerned, but at school elections, it's easy to get the wrong impression.

Ron Troy, East Northport

The writer has been an election inspector in the Town of Huntington.

New York State has a law that states no ID is required to vote. I’ve worked national elections and a school board budget vote. My training informs me that a name and address are entered into the voter registration only after the voter registration form has been duly verified.

Gloria Burgess, Centerport

Let's put 'litter cams' at highway ramps

Look out your car window on many Long Island and New York City roads and you'll see litter. In some places, lots of it ["I am disgusted with LI's roadside litter," Just Sayin', April 2]. Highway entrance and exit ramps are notorious gathering spots for this eyesore. While the overwhelming majority of drivers and passengers dispose of their trash properly, it's the selfish few whose actions are visible and enduring.

So, why not install "litter cams" at the ramps with the most abundant piles of garbage? The revenue generated could be directly assigned to cleaning up these hot spots. Better yet, what about having the offenders sentenced to a few hours of picking up trash?

Doug Otto, Massapequa

Listen to others, don't just talk

My sister says that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen more than we speak. I think this is good advice for the many people who talk fast and loudly, trying to get their points across at the expense of listening and hearing another perspective. If politicians would practice active listening, we would have a greater chance of having an honest exchange and an opportunity to discuss policy that would benefit us all.

It is so important that as Americans, friends, family and leaders, we understand the value of hearing another point of view rather than just trying to get our own point across. We would have a more compassionate heart and work toward unity rather than division. Soon, we'll be approaching a new election season, and it is our responsibility to use our ears and listen to the candidates.

Brenda Ferrante, Lindenhurst