Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor

There are over 300 newspapers in Iowa. According to the Iowa Newspaper Association, 92% of Iowans have read at least one issue of a newspaper in the past week. Letters to the editor are great advocacy tools.   Will you help create better and safer cycling in Iowa by writing a letter today?

Letters to the editor:

• reach a large audience.
• can bring up information or cause readers to think.
• show support or opposition to an issue.
• are often monitored by elected officials.
• are free.

Possible letters to the editor topics:

• Share the Road with all users, including bicycles.
• Pass bicycles with care by slowing down and allowing five feet of clearance.
• Bicycle riders come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and skill levels.
• Bicycle riding saves fossil fuels, reduces traffic and parking congestion, and helps combat obesity and related health problems.
• Pay attention to driving.  Distractions could ruin my day/life.
• Impatience and road rage could injure or kill someone.
• Yielding, waiting, being patient only takes a few seconds of time and could save a life.
• Bicycles and motorists should obey traffic signs. 
• Bicycles and motorists should use turn signals, use lights, be safe, and share the road.
• Bicyclists do pay taxes.  Many bicyclists own vehicles, drive vehicles, own property, pay taxes.  They also pay sales tax on the bike, helmet, clothing, and gear.
• I ride a bicycle because….

Keep it short. Many newspapers have limits on the length of letters and have limited space to publish them. Keeping your letter short will help assure that your letter is printed.

Keep to a topic. Writing about one topic and making one or two points will make your letter more readable.

Make the letter readable. Write short sentences, grouped in two or three paragraphs. Don’t be afraid to let your sense of humor shine through, but be careful of crossing the line of good taste. If you have read a news story or feature article that relates to something you've experienced, respond by putting your own personal twist on the subject.  Your own stories, experience and words will be better received than any canned letter.

Make it legible. You should use a computer if your handwriting is difficult to read.  Many newspapers allow letters to be submitted by email or online.

Send letters to weekly community newspapers too. Many hometown weekly newspapers are well read and discussed. 

Include your contact information. Include your name, address, town, and day time phone number.  Most newspapers will only print a letter to the editor after calling the author to verify his or her identity and address. Newspapers will not give out that information, and will usually only print your name and city should your letter be published.

If possible make references to the newspaper. While some papers print general commentary, many will only print letters that refer to a specific article, column, or editorial. If you are referring to a previously published letter, article, column, or editorial, identify it by its headline and the date it was published (Re: Bicycle Ride This Week on Saturday, June 27). This enables the editor to quickly check the original item to verify any references.  It also allows readers to know more about your response.

If you get published, please let us know by sending copies or links to janelle@iowabicyclecoalition.org