New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-23
THE BTCYCLE PITH .fPPRECIfTED

EHOOKLYE WHEELMEN HIGHLY FAVORED EOTH
rs TO ROADS AND WEATHER.
Tho whcelmen OF Brooklyn have had great reason
20 rejoice o. late over the construction OF the
bicycle pathway 10 Concy Island. There have been
4 number of uncommonly fine days for riding since
winter began by the almanac. and the path has
been extensively use.l II 1t had not been provided
riding would practically have been confined to the
PARK Dads and those city streets which are paved
with asphalt Last sunday for example, It was est-
mated that not less than 1900 riders made use Of
the path. During the afternoon there was an
almost continuous line OF them passing out OF
the gate at the southwestern corner OF the Park
Tho Ocean Parkway itself was In most places
covered with thick mud. which bicycle
rider would venture. and the slcpaths on other
roads which are frequently used In summer, were
equally unreliable The new path. however, vas
in fine condition. and Coney Island thus
easily accessible
Contrary To expectation. however. the path Is
NOT constantly and uniformly dry. II was sup
posed that the crushed stone used "a top dress
ing would not DE subject to the effects OF freez-
.ng and thawing. but this has bcca tho case to
q rousiderabl" extent. and som" days the path
is actually muddy. 1t b. possible that tho thicker
coating ~ gravel or crushed stone. which is TO
be- applied next year. VIII remedy the difficulty.
That more o. this material is needed is already
evident in some parts OF the path. where either
account OF the great amount - travel or 10y
The - the rain- nearly all the top dressing
finished T., Concy island. but the block nearest
tho Park has not vet been taken in hand.
In ihe vicinity ~ the racetracks. half way TO
'fnoy Island. the men or boys ia charg" OF
horses taken luf 'nr exercise nave got ln IA" hal
habit Of allowing Oh" horses 80 walk mp ana DO"
on the path This practice ought to b" stopped
\ park policeman might well bc stationed AT this
point. with Instructions TO arrest any Jockey or
other person who allowed horse on the path.
The moment horses hoofs touch tho gravel II
Is spoiled Tor the bicycle. There has been no
trouble thus far from people attempting to drive
on tn path. but people on foot do not seem to
fealiz" that they are not ~ liberty 10 use II a.
much they please.
men 81 brooklyn has extended aS far 40 tlcNe-
land. ohio Wh'rr the bicycle riders have petit
toned Tho park authorities to construct path
ssprrIally for their benefit
IN this nc.ghhorhooi the dcvotccs OF the silent
s''ci have had the opportunity OF induleing In
their fayoritc exercise almost mp 20 Christmas
Day. Tho number 81 good days FOR riding this
month has been remarkably large. II tn" weather
fine Christmas. Their" can b" no question
that hundreds and thousands Of riders will i'm
prove what may be- their last good opportunity FOR
riding this year
an odI sight was Witnessed near tho south
western entrance ~ Prospect Park IA" other day
nothing less fhAu tho spectacle OF policeman. IN
fun uniform. oNerroat and all. hesfr.dng a hi
drive. IL not hl- own wheel. however nor
was ~ I'd part ~ his outnt a policeman \
rider who CHANGED along had offered him the use
Of thu wheel Grealy TO the wn"clmans sur
prise. tho policeman mounted ana rode OF Ike
veteran lie ld no; go more than few rods
however. then ~ turned round. rode back and
di.nountcl ia tn" orthodox fashion. \ park
policeman on a bicycle would not have much
when IT came to stopping the animal he would
Ha,, IA