To the Editor:

As a responsible motorcyclist, I am writing about the incident that occurred in New York City on Sunday, September 29, involving an SUV driver and some motorcyclists.

I am troubled by the serious injuries caused by the SUV driver and by the actions of some motorcyclists who apparently decided to take the law into their own hands.

I ride responsibly and do my best to represent motorcycling in a positive light. Those of us who ride support rider education and often raise funds for charitable causes in our community.

To name just a few charity fund raising events this summer that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars this year in the Newtown area:

2013 Firehouse Ride: 125 bikers supporting the Newtown hook and ladder.

Green Ribbon Ride For Sandy Hook: 2,300 bikers

Dream Ride 2013: hundreds of bikers raised hundreds of thousands of $$ for special Olympics

CT United Ride: over 2,000 bikers raising money for  CT Firefighters and CT Law Enforcement,

The safety of all road users, especially motorcyclists, is of the utmost concern to me and I do not support actions by any road users that violate the law.

Each year, hundreds of well-organized recreational events take place across the country.  At these events, law-abiding motorcyclists gather to enjoy camaraderie and spend their tourist dollars in host cities and surrounding communities.

One unfortunate event of this kind, can create a false image of all motorcyclists by the general public.

Motorcycling has become an enjoyable mainstream activity and almost everyone today has a family member or friend who rides. The actions of the motorcyclists portrayed in the video of the encounter in New York City do not represent me, my friends, or the vast majority of the 27 million motorcyclists in America.

Bill Hull

30 Saw Mill Road, Newtown                        October 9, 2013