JEERS to bicyclists who clog up area roads. It may be legal to ride bicycles in the roads, but, as a courtesy to passing drivers, cyclers should move inside the shoulders when possible. Many times, riding through Jay into Wilmington, groups of bikers spread out onto the winding lanes. When a car pulls up behind them, many will stay out in the road. It is difficult for drivers to see around these narrow corners, creating the possibility of a tragic accident. The Adirondacks are a great place to ride and take in the view, but be courteous to drivers. It may save your life.

CHEERS to thousands of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, who, as of Sunday, will get enhanced retirement benefits as federal law-enforcement officers. The change recognizes the dangerous nature of their jobs by giving them a higher pension formula. The National Treasury Employees Union fought to retain the legislation after the White House proposed its repeal and wouldn't propose funding the program. In the North Country, we hear all the time about busts of illegal drugs, guns and aliens made by these officers, either at the border crossings or in the fields separating the United States and Canada. The shady characters who are moving contraband are not hesitant to use violence when cornered. Border officers deserve to be rewarded for the risks they take to protect us from incoming criminals.

JEERS to the City of Plattsburgh for neglecting the pavement markings at one of its busiest intersections: the corner of Broad, North and South Catherine streets. The turn arrows in several directions are faded off the road. The crosswalks -- used by hundreds of kids heading to Stafford Middle School -- are also pretty much worn away. We know, we know, the city is broke. But it can't cost much to get Public Works crews out to re-stripe this important downtown intersection so drivers don't need to relay solely on the overhead signs. Canadian visitors, for example, might get very confused about what lane they are supposed to be in to turn. And the crosswalks are a safety issue.

JEERS to all the people who attended Fourth of July parades and left their candy wrappers and beverage bottles behind when they departed. It's amazing in these environmentally conscious time that so many people still don't think twice about leaving their half-empty soda or water bottle by the roadside. And are there actually parents who don't monitor their kids for littering? Everyone loves to collect the candy thrown at parades and we know kids are too excited to wait until they get home to sample their treats, but aren't their parents making sure they aren't throwing the wrappers on the ground. A ride through downtown Plattsburgh after the Fourth of July parade shows that, sadly, that lesson is not being taught well enough.