Evening star., 1896-11-28
S O ME CYCLE G H A 7

The announcement that a cycle path is
to be built between this city and Balti-
more will be received with pleasure by a
great many riders. The general public,
however, is interested In the path as COM
pleteG and not so much IN the path as
contemplated.
a cycle path properly constructed, It is
said should be as level a towpath,
which, though 1t may run for miles and
miles through a rocky and mountainous
country is comparatively level whatever
grade there may be being impercep-ible.
As contemplated, the Washing toa-Baiti-
more path will be built at the shortest
point between the two cities. Contrary to
expeCta lions, it will not be on a perfectly
straight line. but will make a number of
ANAL curves, so as to include most of the
towns and villages by the waysi1e. The
Washington end of the path will begin in
the vicinity of New Jersey avenue Extend
cd and thence run almost 1ue north. bor-
dering Bladensburg, Hyattsville and the
other suburban towns adjoining the rail-
road track, continuing close by the rail-
road. through Laurel and Relay, and Wind
ing up on the outskirts of the monumental
city.
The proposed cost of the path, while not
stated. will probably be between $4,000
and $4,000. AT cost of sl,OOO per mile
a good cycle path nine feet in width, IT
is estimated, can be built, more especially
~ber the country through which the path
will be constructed is comparatively level
The proposed path will probably be frac-
tion over forty miles in length, owing to
the fact that arrangements will be made
to reach the wayside villages This ac
complishes a two-fold object. 1t gives the
bicycle population of the villages chance
to the path. and also permits the local
wheeimen to use the path 20 these points.
The capital stock of the company is
placed at 100000. but, as before stated,
hi r-tn hn
Tor the construction of the path. The bal
ar of the money will be used for erecting
large and commodiou5 hNtel midway be-
tween the two cities, and also the construc-
ton of a suitable race track for cyclers on
the same premises. 1t IS contemplated to
have, if possible. all Of the race meets Of
the Maryland division of the League of
American Wheelmaa take place on this
track
The season on the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal will close by the 18th of next month,
or possibly sooner. the weather Determining
this fact. During the working season Su-
perintendent Nicholson. whose office is on
31St street below NJ, has steadfastly re-
fused to permit wheelmen to use the path
claiming that the presence of the wheels
frighten5 the mules and causes them to dc
more or less damage, for which the canal
company was directly responsible to the
boatmen. III fact. through the aid of the
Maryland authorities there have been laws
passed making it offense to ride on the
towpath. more than one local wheel
mar, has found out to his sorrow. Now
that the season will shortly close the chief
objection TO cyclists using the towpath will
be removed. 1t Is suggested to those wheel
mer who desire to use the towpath for c
trip during the coming winter months tha
the superintendent would most likely issu.
permit to ride on the path. A permit 1:
absolutely essential. and like a passport II
e foreign country Is apt to prevent tine
holder from many petty inconvenlences
The canal win remain closed until March