Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-05

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men just now because
HAM, of the effort made by
~ ~ President Walter Dodge
Of the Capital Bicycle
IN >[fIlE y Club to have the Com
I'M missioners abolish those
sections. The matter
has been referred to Maj. Moore. chief of
police. for his Endorsement. but he has not yet
acted upon the petition.
ut Il estimated by various PARTIES. who are
posted upon the subject said President Dodge
- STAR reporter. that there are at least
1000 riders in the District of Columbia. and,
averaging the machines at 200 apiece il Will
b. seen that these riders represent an invest
ment Of 500 900. and. averaging the cost os
lamp and bell together at IS. that Is addi-
tional outlay of $4,000 a total OF S735. 900.
The actual outlay by riders. since the bicycle
first introduced into the city, largely ex-
reeds this total, as many riders have had as
many six different machines during their
perIence. These facts are mentioned for the
purpose of showing that wheeling is something
more than a pa-time. especially In this city,
where our vell-psved streets have rendered it
more useful in business than in any other city
In the country.
Il think it is a fact that in proportion to the
number Of riders in the District there is less
real pleasure riding than in any other city of
its size. the riders cOntenting themselves prin-
cfpslly with going TO and from their offices and
doing their various errards on the wheel Not
withstandiug the large number Of riders in the
District. / think the records will show that
there have been proportiOnately fewer acct
dents to pedestrians from the use of bicycles
than are directly traceable 20 the Use Of horses
and carriages. although horses are supposed to
make noise enough 90 warn pedestrians of their
approach Such being the case. would there
seem TO be any warrant for requiring bicyclist
20 carry lamp or bell? Ii has been almost
universally acknowledged that bell is worse
than useless. confusing the pedestrian and
causing more accidents by its use than if it
were not employed. and correspondent "
agrees with me upon this point.
He says that so long as Major Moore is in his
right mind he will never recommend the aboli-
ton Of the lamp. but what authority v has to
speak for Major Moore does not appear in his
Communication. / sincerely trust that Major
Moore will always remain in his right mind,
and even II he were To recommend the reten-
tion Of the lamps, would not for an instant
suggest that he not. All that We ask OF him
i- 10 consider the facts that we have presented
for his consideration. and 10 give his best judg-
ment thereon, whether il be for against
lamps.
AT Major Moore's hands continued Presi-
dent Dodge. I'VE have always received a most
kind and courteous consideration. and are
especially indebted 20 him for his thoughtful
ness during the recent league meet in abolish
ing the lamp and bell requirement during those
days.
IT contend that the results from the suspen-
sion % the regulation daring the league meet
are an emphatic confirmation Of that for which
We have been cOnteniing. II there ever
any possibility or chance OF any accident
curing from the want Of lamp or bell it seems
10 certainly would have occurred during the
suspension Of the regulation when the city was
filed With several thousand visiting riders.
should like % ask what better proof ia required
than the results during the league meet
1T j. only fair that the bicycist should be
given q chance 20 show that neither lamp nor
bell l. essential to the safety Of the pedestrian
IL IL should turn out tina; the lamp : essential
or beneficial then 1t Is a very simple matter 10
return 10 the old order Of tEings but until it is
proven beyond dOIbt that the interests OF the
public demand that a lamp shall be carried il
seems unreasonable to require the use of
lamp OF bell IL the pedestrian will keep 70 the
sidewalk. where he belongs. there viii be no
danger of his being run into by these snake-like
veHlcle-. His only danger is at the street cross
ing. and II due care Is not exercised Mt these
points II Is a very simple matter 10 have these
riders arrested for reckless and careless riding
Such course. think. should meet with the
approval % all vheelnen.
President Terry % the Crescent Century
Nhsylnlen does rot think the same as President
DOdge. lie thinks that the bell is not neces-
ssrs. but for the good of wheemen and pedes-
trlAn- he thinks the regulation requiring the
lamp on bicycles should not be abolished
Il do think, however" he said. that the
police -holld exercise more Judgment in en-
forcing the regulation. They should use some
discretion and not make arrest every time
they meet a wheelman without a lamp.
He explained that when the clubs 20 oH for
IN all-iay run u l. troublesome 20 have 20 carry
lamp, and should they return after shutdown
and proceed through the city cautiously ard
not recke-sly the police should upon n proper
explanation be permitted 20 use his discretion
In the matter and not make an arrest Wheel
men ShO ride slowly after shutdown when they
are without light. he says. certainly not
intentional violatOrs Of the law and thew are
likely o. do no harm. those who for fear
of arrest ride through the crowded thorough
fares At breakneck pace.
GEORGETOWN CYCLE CLUB
The hrst century run % the Georgetown
Cycle Club va- made las; SUNDAY. the route be-
ing between thu city AID Frederick the round
trip being little more than 100 miles. There
Va. . strong northwest wind blowing in the
morning which retarded the progress OF the
Whselmen 10 such an extent that for A while i;
vas thought they would have to abandon the
trip. but the wEeelmeE remained on the wheels
Until there wa- a calm. and then on a fast ride
they made up for lost time. those who partic-
ipated were Capt. CIV. Cook. First Lieut.. WILL
ban smith and Mcssrs. Benjamin Hunt and
George Hunt The quartet left I4th street
and Florida avenue Just two minutes alters
oeloek IN the morning and rode TO Freder-
ick. Easing Nitchslls cross roads, Ne
Gainesville. Laytonsvills, Damascus Mon
royIa and New Market. IL was nearly
o'clock when the party reached Mechanic
vile. There a stop Of > minutes was made
In order to get glass OF the refreshing bever-
sse from the village we'll LaytonsvIlie was
neat passed without a stop. but before reach
ing Damascus u stop OF 20 minutes was
made 20 partake Of some bread. preserves and
nilk Al farm house. Through Damascus and
Mourovia the party rode without a stop and
New Market was reached a. l0,45 o'clock. An
order for dinner nj CLOCK was given. and on
the wLeelmen rode to Frederick, reach
tng there at IL so o'clock Thus the drst hall