Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-05
Gitg a., ano Sionntg
Communication on the Bicycle Question.

By the statutes of this State the mum
cipal officers of cities and towns are author
zsd to set off portions of the streets and
highways for sidewalks, and to make such
ordinances relative to the use of the same
as are not inconsistent with the law of the
land. These statutes were enacted long be-
fore the bicycle came into use. These side
walks were dedicated to the exclusive use
and enjoyment of pedestrians. The legal
ity and propriety of forbidding
the use of vehicles and carriages
upon them has been recognized
and approved by our courts from time i'm
memorial. Nothing more dangerous than
a baby carriage has heretofore been toler
ated upon the sidewalks of our cities and
villages. These walks have always been n
place of safety and pleasure for old and
young, the only place upon the face of the
earth where all classes of pedestrians. the
lame and BILE, the blind, tie deaf, the
young and careless as well as the strong
and vigorous could walk without
a thought or care for their personal safety.
Now all this is changed; not by the repeal
of the law, not by reverse decisions of our
courts, but by the bold assumption of those
who ride bicycles, that they have natural
and inalienable right to ride their carriages
at pleasure on any and all sidewalks. The,
assume not only equal rights there with the
pedestrian, but by their acts proclaim their
right to be paramount to that of the pedes
TRAN.
When enc now starts ont with his family
for pleasant stroll alorg the sidewalks of
the city, in the language of our supreme
court relative to railroad crossings, he must
look both ways and listen, else if there be
any accident by reason of his neglect so to
do he is guilty of contributory negligence.
The knights and ladies of the wheel claim
the right of way on our sidewalks, and if
one does not grant it and is knocked down
by the collision they will coolly tell him
II is his duty to look out for the wheel
and get off the walk when the bell rings.
Now while it is commended that the wheel
men have no legal right on any of our side
walks except to pass across them as other
carriages may do, it is conceded that it will
be perfectly proper on their request to grant
them restricted use of the less frequented
walks not as a right but as favor, because
the demand for good roads has not yet
reached Augusta and without some
of our streets cannot be trav-
comfort or safety even. The city ordinance
now under discussion grants to the wheel
men generous portion of the walks OF the
city, much more than has ever been allowed
for coasting parties. But the restrictions
are of such nature ss to render it well
nigh impossible to enforce them. A simple
rule requiring every rider to dismount from
his wheel before passing pedestrian upon
the sidewalk will suffice to protect all.
Some restriction as to speed past corners
of streets may also be necessary.
The rules contained in the ordinance in
respect to street riding are needless. BIZ
cycles are recognized by our courts as car
riages-entitled to all the rights and sub
ject to all the duties of other teams upon
the public highway.
The general law of the road is amply
sufficient to protect the wheelmen and the
horsemen and to enforce the duties of one
toward the ether. Near cross walks the
wheelman should be required to ring his
bell for the protection of persons crossing
the street. Any further use of the bell
should be left to his own judgment.
PEDESTRIAN.