The citizen., 1897-02-19
DANGERS OF CYCLING.
Accidents That Are Liable to Occur
and How to Avoid Them.

Bicyclists are liable to accidents in
many ways, but with the exercise of
common sense there is no reason why
the number of casualties should go be-
yond the minimum, even in the midst
ofthe touring season. In the first place,
it is essential that the rider have
wheel which has been properly tested
one on which he or she may thor
oughly rely. And it is fitting that the
bicycle should be equipped with a SER
viceable brake, the great necessity for
which attachment was shown last sea-
son by fatal accidents, several of which
occurred within the Metropolitan Dis
trict.
Being well mounted counts great
deal, as every rider knows, but unless
one is cool aud collected the dangers of
crowded th0roughfares sooner or later
cause much annoyance and possible
accident. "Keep to the right" is rule
which should never be violated, partic-
ularly in CITY where the travel is
large and of a mixed character. Novi-
ces in the pastime very frequently
break this rule of the road, often with
fatal results. A case in point was the
fatal running over of a young woman
in Madison Ave, near Fifteenth street,
not long ago. She tried to pass ahead
of horse car, going to the left, ana
ran directly into team approaching
in the opposite direction Eye witnesses
testified that the unfortunate WON an
was wholly to blame, it being impos-
sible under the circumstances for the
team to avoid collision. Similar cases
have occurred frequently in this city
and elsewhere. The simple observance
of "Keep to the right" would have
kept these fatalities off the records.
When lady and gentleman ride to-
gether, he should always keep on ht r
left, she being next to the curb. When
wagon is to be passed he should go
ahead, and then swing TO the right,
placing himself between the team and
the lady, changing positions as soon as
the vehicle is left behind. In case of
another team approaching from the
opposite direction, the man should ride
ahead. aud if there is not sufficient
room for all three to pass at one time
he and his com pani0u ought to dis
mount. 1t is a good plan, if passing
along much-trequented street, to OBJ
serve the teams ahead that may be
standing alongside the curb. Drivers
are not always as careful as they might
be, and some start up without first OBJ
serving if the coast is clear.
Collisions at corners are frequent.
and, while there are no rules APPLYING
to this matter, common sense should
dictate always what is best TO do.
Corner accidents occur most frequently
in this way. The rider in either street
may he pedaling at a rapid rate of
speed and riding close to the curb.
The cyclist in the cross street is also
riding fast, and they meet before thew
have chance to turn out. If the RI
der in the cross street had approached
cautiously, the accident would have
been avoided, and the same might he
said of the other. The best advice in
such case, therefore, would seem TO
be Look before you put on speed.n
Annoyance ahd accidents result of
tentimes from troublesome dogs, and
this kind is most frequently met with
in the country. For some reason or
other women cyclists seem TO be the
special mark for dogs, and, being
naturally timid, they often are made
to fall through fright, and in some
cases are pulled from their wheels by
the bothersOme CANNES catching hold
of their skirts. The best course to
pursue when dog comes barking be-
hind is to pay no attention, but pedal
along, faster, if possible, and soon the
barker will cease his attentions. But
ii the rider tries verbal tactics. the
10 hnh Pa, l,l. Il
may try a nip at the leg. A skillful
rider could use his pedal in such case
so as to make the pedal strike the dog.
Concerning the danger generally
thought TO be lurking in the so-called
scorcher's position, it can be said that
there is little or no foundation for the
belief Ii Is an ungraceful posture, to
be sure, but it is not liable to iniure
the rider unless he is physically weak.
Nobody ever heard of racer iniur-
ing himself by riding in the bent-over
position. He is trained for racing.
and is not affected by the slight con-
traction of the chest. 1t. therefore,
really depends upon whether one is in
good physical condition. If not, then
to ride any distance in the scorcher's
position would doubtless result in an
Injury of some sort
Night riding is extremely risky
without lamps, but with them there is
no good reason why it should not be
successfully enjoyed, due carefulness
being exercised upon all orcasions.
In the case of women riders, long
journeys should not be taken unless
the wheels are properly adjusted and
fitted. Great injury can follow ride
OF bicycle in which the saddle is
either too high or too low. To have
the saddle properly adjusted is the
most essential thing, and it is an easy
matter to have il right. since the
sense of comfort is the rule to follow
IN such case. A high rate of speed
should never be attempted, aud ones
powers ought never 10 be overtaxed.
-NeW York Times.