New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-18
LAWS FOR WHEELMEN.
THEY HAVE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBLE
TIES.
IN GENERAL. THE COURTS HAVE GIVEN BICYCLES
ALL THE PROTECTION ACCORDED TO
OTHER VEHICLES.


bicycle rider was recently fined at the Court Of
Special Sessions because he rode too swiftly through
the New-York streets. The Judge who inflicted the
punishment is himself a well-known wheeman. and
yet he did not hesitate to infct penalty upon the
user OF a bicycle who violated the law. Many OF the
thousands of riders of the popular machine may not
be aware their rights and liabilities before the
law So short time has passed since the bicycle
became a commonly used vehicle that few cases
arising out Of It's have been decided by the
courts but several laws and some judicial opinions
should be known TO whee linen.
1t has been held frequently that bicycle is
carriage" The English courts long ago made A
ruling 10 that effect and If there any doubt
II would be set in this State by the Highway
law enacted a few years ago. in section 1872 Of which
the word carriage" is defined as including 'b-
cycles trcycles and all other vehicles propelled by
manumotve or pedomotive power. Many of the
rules applicable to carriages are therefore to be
considered by the bicyclist. Het must. for one
thing obey the law Of the road" contained in Sec
ton l57 Of the Highway law. which provides that
whenever any persons meet on public road on car
riages 1.-The persons meeting shall seasonaby turn
TO the right of the centre of the road so as TO per
nit such carriage 10 pass without interference or
interruption"
The word sea sonably" has been held 10 mean that
the carriage shall be turned aside in time that
neither person shall be retarded in his progress by
reason Of the other occupying his half OF the way
There was time when bicyciist was looked upon
bv some OF the courts having few rights but one
OF the latest judicial opinions. that OF the Minnesota
Snpreme Court in the of Thompson against
Dodge go n. W. Rep. 5i5,, contains this statement:
"A bicycle Is a vehicle used now very extensively
for convenience recreation. pleasure and business.
and the riding Of upon the public highway in the
ordinary manner. is now done, is neither unlawful
nor prohibited and they cannot be banished because
they were not ancient vehicles and used IN the Car
den Of Eden by Adam and Eve.
NOT TO BE Disseminated AGAINST.
An attempt made by the Park Commits
sioners in New-York and similar efforts have been
made other places to prohibit the use OF bicycles
on certain roads, but several OF the States now
have laws similar to that of New-York. which pro-
vdes (Section 1863 OF the Highway law that oihcers
having charge OF highways. streets. parkways,
driveways similar places shall be prohibited from
passing any rules excluding a person using pi-
cycle tricycle. therefrom at any tme "heh inc
same is open for the OF other pleasure
vehicles This provision further part of the
law declares shall not prevent such officers from
passing rules ordinances fixing the speed OF
bicycles requiring prohibiting the use Oh
bells. lamps and other appurtenances. or from pre-
venting the use OF footpatns or sidewalks by these
vehicles. The right 10 use roads and streets IN
this State under proper restrictions Is thus author-
tatvely given every user OF a bicycle.
The wheeman is. however subject TO the ordinary
requirements TO careful and consideraie use OF
his privilege He must not only obey the rule OF
the road requiring him turn 20 the right. but II
is probable that he would be considered In the
wrong II he took full half OF the road when
meeting wide carriage, which would ordinarily
occupy a much larger part OF the roadway on
this point George b. Clementson. who has written
a treatise THE Road Rights and Liabilities Of
Wheemen, refers to the rules as 10 men on horse
back who may TO some extent be governed by ther
notions OF prudence. Where IT would be dangerous
for vehicle TO turn out and wheeman can 90
so easily. he ought 10 yield the track.
The Court OF Appeals OF the state OF New ork
has however In the case OF Schlmpf against
Sitter ga Hum held that he driver OF carriage
who keeps TO the left instead Of the right Is so iar
in the wrong that a wheelman Is not Obliged 10
change his direction II he is keeping well on 'he
proper side of the road and has no reason TO an
tcipate that the carriage driver VIII not turn
] aside. A wheelmsn was allowed IN recover dam