New Postal Unit: 'Bike Express'
To Emerge – CoverUps.com
|
With the ever increasing price of gas, everyone has been hit. Especially the US Postal Service. This is evident in the price increase of postage stamps, and many people are outraged at the frequency of these increases. |
By Fredericka Kozlowski
CoverUps.com InvestigatorWALLA WALLA, WA, - Local residents speak out about rapidly increasing postage prices. Community Leader, Joan Perkins said in their local newspaper, "It changes so often, I have even missed a price hike. One time I bought some at 37 cents, and the next time I went in they were 41 cents. When were they 39 cents?! It's absurd!"
|
With the advent of e-mail, the postal service has seen a decline in good old fashioned letters, a big part of their income. The dwindle is also responsible for the hike, the costs of hauling so little material has strained funds. |
But a new idea is in the mix to try and save America's beloved postal system of yesteryear. Before their red white and blue vehicles, the mail was delivered via horse. The Pony Express, although ending in 1861, was a much faster, easier way to send mail; it was even more beneficial than the stagecoach.
Idea's for similar operations are said to be in talks in congress. CoverUps.com was lucky enough to speak with a democratic representative from Maine.
"It would essentially be the 'bicycle express.' I know it sounds silly, but in many large cities, bike commuting has become very efficient and it only makes sense to take advantage of that form of transportation. Our government-issued bikes would get gas mileage off the charts and almost zero carbon emissions as well."
|
One of the proposed ideas for the postal bike express design. Rumors have circulated of heated debates over colors. Many are adamantly for red white and blue. Others believe the gold (above) looks less 'campy' and more professional. |
The controversy lies also in public approval. Most are concerned about the safety of the rider. Jane Resnick told CoverUps.com, "I don't want my important documents out in the open, exposed to the elements. Will the worker carry a gun? What if he gets hit by a car? I mean, it just sounds so dangerous. At least on the pony they were five feet off the ground. A thief would be stupid to take on a guy on a horse."
Washington has addressed this with a proposed upgrade in defense training for mailmen. While some prefer simple kickboxing, others believe Kung Fu would be more intimidating. Perhaps even Jiu Jitsu. CoverUps.com asked mail carrier, Manuel Ortiz, what he thought of the idea of martial arts training for postmen.
"Well, it certainly would be a cool thing to know in general, but they don't pay me enough to tackle the dangers that might be coming my way in a new bicycle scenario. I have enough trouble with dogs as it is."
