To the editor,

I am writing to express my severe disappointment with the recent Journal article entitled “Reminder of rules of the road for bikers” published in Saturday’s edition on July 14, 2012.

I am also disappointed with the manner in which the picture of me was procured.

May I preface my letter with the fact that I faithfully served The Journal as a paper carrier for three years. I am deeply upset that a company I served diligently would treat me in this manner.

I was biking along Third Street approaching the old First Baptist Church building when I noticed a middle aged woman repeatedly snapping pictures of me with a high powered camera. When I approached her, she gave no information as to the reason she was photographing me or who she was. She said that she was “just snapping a pic” and drove off. Later, I realized that she must have been stalking me for at least a block in order to get this photo opportunity. I am sure you can empathize with the discomfort it caused me to know that some unknown person was following me with a high powered camera.

I inquired around town in search of an explanation but I was unable to find one. This caused my uneasiness to increase. Imagine if the situation was reversed and a middle aged man was following a teenage girl with a high powered camera; that would be quite sensational. I am deeply disappointed that The Journal did not identify itself. I consider this behavior to be creepy, inappropriate, and frankly unprofessional.

If The Journal would have interviewed me about the article I could have explained to your reader why what I was doing was the safest possible practice in this situation. Allow me to inform you that I have logged seven years and thousands of miles on my bike without a significant accident. I am curious to know how The Journal was able to publish my name without me divulging it to anyone? I am also upset that the picture was taken while I was on my way to work wearing my uniform; therefore, insinuating that I was doing something wrong while representing the City of International Falls.

I expect The Journal to publish an apology for this behavior in the same section and taking up the same amount of space as my picture. I also expect all physical and digital copies of my picture to be returned to me, or for me to be justly compensated for them.

I would also like to point out to you that the correct word would be “bicyclist” not “bicycles” and “bike” in the first two sentences as bicycles cannot learn the rules of the road.

Scotty Ducharme

International Falls, MN