Dear Editor:

I would like to hear from your readers on this, an old problem while walking the canal towpath from Weissport to Jim Thorpe. Bicycles! I have no problem with bicycles, just the drivers! Yes, they have the perfect right to ride bikes on the towpath, and I don't have a problem with that, however, many cyclists, when approaching from the rear, do not warn the walkers they are coming by.Just today, I was passed from the rear by a guy on a mountain bike with no warning at all, just a "swoosh!" My sister's girlfriend was startled by a cyclist from the rear and jumped, however, she jumped right in front of the second cyclist in the procession, and injured herself and the cyclist!Now, to my point in question: I would like to know if any walkers would consider forming a non-profit group of volunteer walkers who would take time to sit at the entrance to the towpath and attempt to sell or donate a small bicycle bell to the cyclists passing by. This small bell (costs only $5.54) can emit the old familiar sound (Ca-ching) that most of us grew up with. Who knows, maybe we could find a local sports supplier, or physical fitness business in the area to sponsor such a program, giving them a spot to advertise?Any reader who thinks along these same lines can email me at

rmgross@ptd.net. Thank you.Richard M. Gross"An annoyed walker"Lehighton