New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-19
VUEELNEN AND DRIVERS.

The death Of Il woman from Injuries which
she received In falling or being thrown from her
bicycle revIves discussion Of a subject OF public
and individual interest The accident which has
resulted fatally WAS caused by either the fact
or the fear Of collision with a brewery team
II Is not certain that the bicycle rider was
actually touched by the horses between which
and the curb she was trying to pass. but 1t IL
postivey said by witnesses that the horses were
turned toward her at just that moment. So that
she had not room enough 10 get by them 1t IS
admitted that she was not an expert rider. or at
least was not accustomed to riding in city
streets. and for this reason. therefore. It is
nrobable that she lacked at the critical time tina,
self-possession which is the first essential of
safety in such circumstances. On the other
hand hitter complaint il made against the
driver Of the brewery wagon. ana the Officers
Of the League OF American Wheeimen are con
sjdcring the proprety OF taking legal nctoh
against him. though the victim Of the accident
,.os NOT ono Of its members. II there is sufii-
c,eut prima- facie evidence of culpable careless
ross ar q worse fault. on his part To warrant
n prosecution. the League Will do Wen 10 uhuer-
take the case; for there is no DOUBT mat drivers
of cabs and other heavy vehicles 100 oi'eh eA-
h,bit dangerous prejudice against p''!ce
riders and that drivers of brewery wagons are
among the worst Of these offenders Ihey are
practically safe themselves, Whatever inc! no.
and consequently they are frequently extremely
care,ess Of the rights of others, including pedeS-
TRANS They need a sharp lesson, and II their
orn,ovors are not inclined TO administer 1t, the
courts may properly do SO upon clear PROOF OF
wrong
But II the wheclmen's league resolves to be
Gin proceedings in this case. we hope 1t will be
ahle TO show that it comes into court with clean
hands This it will not do unless II can prove
that II employs its influence ana whatever pow
ers of discipline il possesses 10 Dlnd lts hien
bers TO a complete observance OF the ordinances
relating to the use Of bicycles IN the streets oi
New-York That many Wheeimen are 'heHh
selves selfish and careless not only OF their own
safety but Of the safety of others. Is notorious
The most conscientious of them necessarily IN
chr serious risks and sometimes come to grief
In n sense this Is exclusively their own ai1air
Though morally those who are dependent upon
their affection and support are entitled 10 CON
sideration: but when through thoughtlesSness
Indifference or wanton perversity OF disposition
uheo,men take liberties from which other riders
or pedestrians or persons driving behind tHd
horses NAV suffer they deserve to be punished
oute as much as those Of whom they are con
stontly complaining We do not assume that
any fault of this nature could be attributed TO
the estimable woman whose sad fate brings this
subiec, under discussion again, or that she even
neglected any suitable precaution for her own
safety. excepting that perhaps she rone hei
ubee, IN a public thoroughfare before she had
acquired sufficient skill and confidence bu,
there are many offenders both against Jaw ana
courtesy whom the League Of American Wheel
men ought not 20 overlook while taking legal
measures 10 defend the rights OF all