New-York tribune., 1895-12-15
its sharp end may be flung against the tire with
sufficient force TO cut IL open


sufiicient force TO cut ii open
Tho words ride" and drive" both as nouns
and verbs have now in the minds Of intelligent
and discriminating users Of the language specific
meanings which are never confused. 1t is ques-
tion whether wheel ought not TO take the
place beside them. As a noun ii is already widely
used a synonyme or substitute for bicycle.
and 1t is sometimes employed as a verb but at
present ride and riding are applied equally
10 horse and bicycle II wheel" were sub
stituted for ride a verb there would be an
end Of confusion. AS a noun. too its sgni1ca-
ton might be broadened. so that instead of say
ing II had a fine ride this morning. one would
say. 81 had fine wheel this morning
Crossing the Bridge to Brooklyn is a simple
operation nowadays, as the payment of a single
cent is all that is necessary. The League Of
American Wheelmen Bulletin" of December
says that the trustees have reduced the toll
from three cents to one cent. with the privilege
Of buying as many tickets one desires" This
is as far astray the statement in the
same publication some time ago that the Coney
Island cycle path was about five feet wide. No
tickets a all are required on the Bridge. as the
signs at the ticket booths distinctly state. All
that is necessary is to hand cent to the ticket
you pass by. No dismOunting stop
ping is required if the wheelman is supplied
with small enough coin There VIII be a strong
effort made this winter to action by the
Legislature that will enable the Bridge trustees
TO do away altogether with tolls for bicycles.
Some Brooklyn wheelmen are wondering
whether II will not be possible to secure next
year an asphalt pavement on either Hancock-st.
or Jeherson-ave, between Bedford and Nos
traud aves This block in Hancock-st. has
granite pavement which is in fairly good cOndi-
ton. 1t laid only a Few years ago, and the
property-ewners on the street paid an assess
ment on account of 1t. 1t is deemed unfair to
ask them to pay another assessment for asphalt,
and with the great demand for that sort Of
pavement in other parts Of the city, the authori-
ties feel that they would not be justified in
supplying a new pavement at the cost Of the
city at large Jefferson-ave.. however might be
improved that basis 10 give it the
character Of a thOrOughfare. In view Of the
character Of the property on the block In ques
ton. II is scarcely reasonable to expect the
owners to consent willingly 10 pay half the cost
Of substituting asphalt cor cobblestones The
threp blocks Of Jefferson-aVe. east of NOstrand.
have been paved with asphalt in the last year
or two and many people would be accommo-
dated by the extension Of the improved pave
ment to BedfOrd-aVe The new asphalt
Halsey-st would meet the demands Of wheemen
that the cobblestone pavement in Nostrand
is vile. and the numerous trolley
cautious riders to keep their distance.
Work is now in progress on the asphalt pave
ment in St. Mark save. between Franklin and
Vanderbilt aves. Brooklyn. which will supply
the needed thoroughfare between what
vaguely termed uptown and downtown. When
this is finished one can ride on asphalt Tor brick
for few blocks) all the way from the fountain
q Bedford and Division aves to within gunshot
Of the Brooklyn Bridge. l. will he a rather
roundabout route, though reasonably direct.
especially from the corner Of Bedford and s.
Marks aves 20 the beginning OF Schermerhorn-
ST at ClintOn-st The short block at 81. Marks
ave. between Bedford and Rogers aves.. it IS a
satisfaction to know. will be covered with
asphalt early next year.
The ability 10 ride wheel with the hands off
is not a mere trick or fad. II is Of positive ad-
vantage to the wheelman. It Is great rest for
the arms if one is able to fold them and ride on
in safety for few hundred yards more: this
is especially the case coming to a smooth road
after going for some distance over a poor one.
Speaking Of this accomplishment, rider Of ex-
perience said: 1T is an easy knack 70 acquire.
and while there is doubtless al element Of danger
in it, one ca learn to control the wheel almost
perfectly with the pedals | ride a mile or
more in this way or a road like the Coney Island
Cycle Path-when It is not too crowded-turning
out TO pass and meet other riders without any
difficulty or danger Resides the rest which the
arms get there is a real and then which
the ability t. ride hands off offers. The other
morning for instance. II was colder than ] sup
posed when | started, ana l soon Iound thal
needed NY gloves II was not difficult matter
TO get them ont of my pocket and put them on
on the wheel thus avoiding the necessity OF dis
mounting ] have heard Of riders VINO could take
off their coats while on the wheel. / have never
undertaken that. and don't expect 10. have IN
mind the experience Of a friend who undertook
ii and To grief in a ditch, breaking MS sad
die in the operation.
The cyclist policemen on Eishth-ave and the
Boulevard make queer figures with their long
coat tails. The devise of pnnng these up Is
necessary for comfort. safety and cleanliness
OF course frock coats as ill-adapted to wheel
ing as court gowns would be The appearance