Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-20
Bicycles In Washington.

Washington Correspondence Of the " Y Times
The bicycle has become the popular means
of locomotion in Washington. 1t is to be seen
everywhere that vehicles can go and at all hours
Of the day and night There are over 10 900
riders Of 1.-THE silent wheel here. They in
clude all sorts and conditions of men and
women. A minister of the gospel NAV be seen
nylng along the avenue closely pursued by M
messenger boy mounted upon a wheel every
bit as good. The Washington messenger. who
values his reputation owns or borrows a bicy-
cle How he manages on his meager paw to
possess himself of the costly machine he gener-
ally bestrides is a mystery which the writer
has not yet solved. As q result of the use of
the bicycle messages are delivered here with
more celebrity than in any other city in the
country. Sufferers from the slow-going mes
senger service in New York and other cities
will appreciate this innovation.
Department clerks patronize the bicycle ex-
tensively. Outside Of every department during
business hours may be seen dozens of wheels
chained SO that they may not be ridden of by
bicycle thieves, who have heretofore found this
an inviting field. People even 60 to church on
wheels here. There are seven regularly or
gsnized bicycle clubs in the city, with large
aggregate membership, which does not how
ever, include the great mass OF riders Bust
ness men who use the wheel do not. as a rule.
have time to belong to clubs. Several hundred
women own machines and a great MANY of
can take the Capitol Hill, which is pretty stiff
climb even for a hardened man rider. without
the slightest difficulty. Every day men can be
seen pushing their wheels up this incline.
The fine streets OF Washington have given
the impulse to bicycle riding which has proved
such q bonanza to the bicycle manufacturers.
There are over sixty miles Of fine asphalt pave
ment. to say nothing Of miles OF excellent
macadamized roads in the suburbs which are
available to the wheelmen. One can hardly
Sd 4hox l<..o so<r,
for riding. 1t is but natural that such ex-
cellent facilities for enjoying this popular sport
should be taken advantage Of Most of the
prominent makers Of bicycles have their agents
here, who do rushing business. Bicycles may
be rented by the day or hour, and many visitors
avail themselves Of this privilege. The rate is
exceedingly cheap when the amount Of pleas
ure derived is taken into consideration.
There is local law which requires that
headlight shall be carried on every machine at
night. II this were not in force there would
be many accidents, with thousands Of wheels
buzzing through the town. In consequence.
the red and white and green lights Of the quick.
moving machines are very conspicuous after
nightfall.
There are half. dozen Congressman who ride
to the Capitol daily. Even Jerry Simpson has
q machine. How some Of his alliance constitu-
ents would stare If they could see Jerry flying
through Pennsylvania avenue on his cushion
tired wheel! There is not the faintest SUCCESS
ton OF calamity" in his appearance He
sits erect and pedals like q man who is
glad that he 10 alive and able to anni-
hilate space in 30 comfortable o manner.
Senator PETER has not yet been induced to en-
bark ON bicycle. But there are several wears
OF Washington life yet before him, and nobody
can say that some day his whiskers will not be
seen floating above one. Representative Tom
L. Johnson Of Ohio il one Of the most enthusi-
astic wheelmen here. One would not think that
ne weighed 200 pounds and over to see him
cover the distance between Wizards and the
Capitol
Society Incident In Arisona.
From the Chicago 1ribuna
Miss Laaiat-''Mr. Dyie, let mo introduce my
brother, Mr.. LAriat"
NJ. Dyle (proprietor Of leading faro banking