Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-01-15
THE REIGN OF THE BICYCLE.
The Present Passion For the Wheel II Not
Likely to Die Ont Ever.

What may be called not improperly
the bicycle passion has full possession
Of several leading countries of the world.
England and France, notably those
parts of them in and about London and
Paris. have been so given over to Ii for
lome time that a large proportion Of
their population come and 60 on their
Grands of business or pleasure on a
,heel. Americans who have recently
Travelled abroad have been astonished
nt the general use Of the bicycle there
bld have been still more astonished on
Iturning to their own country during
Inc past year 20 discover what headway
the passion had made here. Ii Is said
D. be a conservative estimate by compe.
rent authorities that during the year
now closing $50, 900 bicycles have been
sold in this country. and that the num-
DER of riders approaches 1000, 600.
There are said to be over $4,000 in New
York and les neighborhood and fully
half that number In and about Boston.
The latter city caught the passion from
Europe some time before New York
lid and has larger proportion Of its
population, male and female, regularly
devoted 10 IL.
Observers Of the phenomenon are
wondering whether IL is merely pass
ing whim or whether IL has come 10
stay. whether those who have taken IL
up will continue il after the novelty has
worn off or whether they will drop 1t
tor the next new fad that shall come
along. There are many reasons for
thinking that its stay will be perma.
uent Undoubtedly many OF those who
take il up because Of It's vogue will tire
Of IL after awhile, but these will not
constitute large proportion Of the
whole number The great body Of riders
find in tho bicycle a new pleasure in
life, a means for seeing more Of the
world. source OF better health through
open air exercise, a bond Of comrade-
ship. method Of rapid locomotion
either for business or pleasure and
many other enjoyments and advantages
which they will not relinquish. The
bicycle has. in fact, become necessary
part of modern life and could not be
abandoned without turning the social
progress Of the world backward. Few
@ho have used IL for tour through tho
country would think for moment Of
giving it up and returning TO pedes'
,rianism instead. Aside from the ex-
hilarating Joy Of riding. which every
bicycle devotee will assure you is the
nearest approach to flying at present
possible 10 man, there is the opportunity
of seeing constantly changing land
;cape
The bicycle is indeed the great lev
eler It puts the poor man on level
with the rich. enabling him TO "sing
tho song Of tho open road" as freely as
tho millionaire and to widen his knowl-
edge by visiting the regions near to or
TAR from his home, observing how other
men live. He could not afford railway
journey and sojourn in these places, and
he could not walk through them with
ont tiring sufficiently to destroy in
measure the pleasure which no sought.
But no can ride through 20, 80, 30,
syen 20 miles Of country in n day with
out serious fatigue and with no expense
;avo his board and lodging. To thou
sands Of men and women the longing of
gears to travel little as soon as they
could afford it is thus gratified. virtual
ly without limit, for little jour
ney in the world" can be made on every
recurring holiday or vacation. Cen
turv