The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-01
A BICYCLE ORDINANCE,
THE IfTTER TO COuE BEFORE THE
CITY COUNCIL MONDAY.
other Laws That Arc of Importance to
Wheelmen Already Passed and Only
Need to be Enforced.

day night. 1t is question OF immense
interest 10 the wheelmen OF Richmond,
and large number Will no doubt De
present TO hear the discussion.
The bicyclists Of this city very much
desire an ordinance that will define the
rights Of both bicycists and pedestrians,
and one that will prohibit reckless riding
I'm the city streets. The wheelmen OF
Richmond comprise a large number OF
influential and conservative citizens, and
they are long since tired of bearing the
odum that is caused by the reckless
action Of a few careless riders.
DISCUSSING ORDINANCES.
The Board Of Governors of the Rich
mond League Of Wheelmen met Friday
evening and heard the report OF q COM
mittee on ordinance Tho question OF
reckless riding received particular atten-
ton. and provisions against reckless
riding and cOasting in the city's streets
were especially provided for. The ordi-
nance, after various amendments, was
adopted, and will be submitted 10 city
Attorney Meredith for his consideration.
Mr.. Meredith is preparing an ordi-
nance TO be presented 10 the Council, ana
il Is hoped by the wheelmen that the
suggestions will be embodied. The Board
of Governors will be'present Monday
night to express their views, If invited.
The spirit of hostile legislation against
BICYCLES which at one time existed all
over the country. exists no longer, ana
where they were once regarded as
nuisance they are now regarded as "A
blessing. and many special provisions
are being made for their increased use.
The bicycler in Richmond Is more sim
ned against than SHINING and in very
many cases gets scant consideration from
either pedestrians or vehicles.
RULES OF THE ROAD.
1t should bee generally known that n
bicycle is entitled 10 all the privileges
of any other vehicles, but also the COM
monest rules OF the road are rarely ever
observed in his favor.
Drivers Of drays and wagons are
particularly careless and insOlcnt IN APP
propriating the entire thoroughfare 10
themselves Bcyclists themselves should
studiOusly obey the rules of the road,
and require that drivers Of other We
hicles do the same. Chapter g. section
&c. Of the city ordinance on streets. pro-
vides that amy driver of a vehicle meet
ing any other vehicle IN street or pun
lie alley shall seasonably drive 10 the
right hand so that each may pass the
other without interference. and when I'D
a street or public alley vehicle is over
taken by any other vehicle. the driver
OF the former shall bear To- the left until
the latter shall have passed" The penal
ty for violation of this ordinance IS not
less than one dollar nor more than ten
dollars
4 great deal of complaint is made
that Grace and Franklin streets are cut
mp by heavy hauling. and the expression
IS often heard that there ought TO be
o law against it,
Well. there is law against IL ana
could easily be enforced. Section "a OF
the same ordinance provides that no
wagon, dray, or cart. loaded with heaNy
goods. shall be driven along any mac
adamaizod street west of Ninth street.
where q parallel street, paved with cob
ble-stones. granite spalls, or belgian
blocks, can conveniently be used
There is another ordinance also OF re-
cent adoption that is Of great Importance
to wheelmon. and on that wheclmen
should bestir themselves TO see that ii
does not become dead letter.
GLASS AND TACKS.
An ordinance approved August 18th
last provides that no person shall put or
place. or cause 10 be put or placed, in
or upon any street in this city. any glass,
crockcry. scrap-iron nails. tacks. or any
other articles, which would be liable 20
injure or damage the tires or wheels OF
bicycles or any other vehicles which have
wheels with rubber or Pneumatic tires.
ANY person violating the provisions of this
ordinance shall be liable 10 a fine OF not
less than one nor more than twenty dol
lars for each offence, 10 be imposed by
the Police Justice Of Richmond.
Let bicyclists make few test cases
OF these important laws. and they will
greatly benefit the public.
There are yet people who think bicycling
a mere rad, but it has come TO stay.
London Truth says. IL IS a delightful
pastime. IL is one of the most wholesome
OF exercises. II multplie5 the power OF
locOmotlOn liv cor tenfOld, enabling the
woman who would refuse a twO-mile walk
TO cover half dozen miles with pleasure,
and the man who would otherwise De-
limited 10 a twenty-mile stretch 10 get
over one hundred miles ia the same time.
Suburban yilladOm may growl al the
ccaselessstream of, wheeimen that pours
down the roads ON Sunday morning,
but remember, Sc dwellers IN %hOl IS ime
and comfortable suburban houses, what
a precious boon TO the pale-iaced and
jaded clerk or shop assistant. or youns
working lad. is that weekly pin in Tie
country air.
Think again what a blessing Is the
possession OF q bicycle 10 the country
workman. doomed, as too many are, TO
q
10 and from mis- daily labor. OF the town
worker. who is by It's aid enabled 10
live away from his work and 10 house
his family where rent is lowest ana air
purest The bicycle is the friend OF rich
and poor alike.
To howl against II as public nuisance,
or 10 rave about the mischief that II
does TO our young men ana women. IS
folly on par with that OF our grand
fl.r- ttsin
from the invention OF the steam engine
or the use VI gas for illumination.
MORNING SPIN.
Many cyclists make the mistake or
riding only in the late afternoon But,
short ride i'm these clear. cool mornings
is productive Of more good health and
appetite than a ten-mile ride IN he
summer. provided proper precautions are
taken TO change the clothing immediate
~ after returning. The principle Is well
understood, yet few carry il out. Usually
a glance out OF the window At the emil,
gray-looking weather destroys the reso-
luton made the night previous, ana the
intended ride is adjourned indefinitely.
FOR THE PEMICYCLiST
Thus sayeth prominent cycling writ
er: Ride the bicycle We future mothers
but see well TO 1t you do not lose your
modest manners, which are the bonds
that hold the men close 10 you, nor YET
undermine a delicate constitution by be-
ing too ambitious in your efforts 10 keep
pace with Tom or Jerry on century
run. II exhaustion follows ride, be
sensible; forego the pleasure OF an
other excursion under the same condi-
tons"
Ladies would do well. whether they