Parking enforcement student supervisor Ron Kalich wrote in his letter "Bike impoundment service necessary" (SN 7/30) that campus police removes "unwanted bicycles and improves the appearance of the university." The problem, he stated, is that students don't take the responsibility to register bikes, keep them in working condition, and lock them to bike racks. Bike impoundment would otherwise "not be a problem."

Kalich's statement is typical of responses we've heard when confronting DPPS about its error-ridden, abusive annual ritual of impounding bikes: He's quoted from his book without actually listening.

If Kalich had read the story "Impoundment upsets cyclists" (SN 7/21) covering of our case and the editorial "Grand theft bike" (SN 7/23), he would know we've requested an investigation as to why DPPS student employees under his supervision broke the locks from our three registered bikes, neatly stored on a University Village bike rack, and tossed them onto a truck in a manner which left two irreparably damaged. It is outrageous that Kalich asks us to focus upon our "own responsibilities and actions," rather than having the insight to learn from criticism. We sense a hostile attitude toward bicyclists on campus, and believe it's an incredible abuse of police power that DPPS student employees would first impound bicycles illegally, then refuse to take responsibility for their actions, and finally to audaciously blame the victims. Perhaps Kalich's post should be taken over by someone who understands the responsibilities of law enforcement toward the community.

Angela Jancius
anthropology graduate student

Daniel Sturm
University Village resident

Paolo Struffi
genetics graduate student