Irresponsible cycling doesn't justify physical violence

Randy Albright might have been out of line by riding outside the bike lane. He was certainly out of line when he blocked the path of a TriMet bus in attempting to engage the driver.

But the subsequent physical attack on him was even more out of line. Committing an act of violence against another person is never, ever justified except in the defense of oneself or others. It is disturbing to observe so many of my fellow citizens celebrating this unidentified assailant. Some have even said Albright should have been murdered for his actions.

It is disturbing, but it is not really surprising. After all, we live in a culture of violence that celebrates gory video games, unprovoked war and "collateral damage."

I do agree with the letter writers who advocate mandatory safety education for cyclists. Given the current atmosphere, though, we need to include self-defense training in the curriculum.