The times., 1897-07-08

In compliance with the numerous re-
quests they have received from wheelmen
and wheelnen s associations, the Commits
slouers yesterday changed the ordinance
relating to lights on bicycles, to make
the time after which lights shall be shown
one hour after sunset instead of after dark
as formerly.
The way the regulation used to read
created great Confusion, as different inter
pretatioas would be placed upon the
words ''after dark" Numerous cases i'll
which it vas claimed by the bicyclists
that it vas not after dark when they
were arrested and by the policemen that
il was, arose in the police court and
gave ground for extensive argument be-
tween lawyers and tie prosecuting at
torDey as to the exact time meant by
the phrase.
Abuuu d week ago the Commissioners
received "a letter from ". w. AlleSer. II.
D., acting secretary of the United VI heel
men. calling attention TO this ambiguity
and ,IsgIns that the regulation be changed
To read one hour after sunset. The
Commissioners saw that the request was
reasonable and acceded TO it.
They have at pre,ent under considera-
ton another request made by Mr.. Aiieser
on behalf Of tie wheeimen of Washing on,
which is that lights shall be displayed at
night not only by bicycles, but by all We
hioles.
In support of this, DR.. Alleger stated
objection to class leg station which ap-
plies to one web Gle and not to another
and quoted the decisunuf st. Paul Judge,
who declared the law requiring lamps ON
bicycles unconst tutional. He enumerated
d number of cities in which lamps are re-
quired upon other vehicles, and stated that
only in Brooklyn, Palt more and Jersey
City are lights required upon bicycles alone.
The Commissioners are disposed to look
favorably upon the passage OF such Il law
is is requested, but they fear that { would
entail hardship upon certain classes of
vehicles For instance, they say, farmers
who arrive in the city with their wagons
az allhours would probably be arrested more
frequently than any other class, owing both
to Ignorance of the law ana inability 10
procure proper lights. They are waiting
further information upon the matter, but
VIII probably conclude by passing the
ordinance.
Speaking OF the new regulation, Mr
W. T Robertson, chief consul OF the local
branch of the L. a. w, said last even
ing:
'Of course, the regulation is O good
one and viii be received with much salts
faction by the wheelmen of the city.
lt is no more than Common Sense law,
ana should have been passed long ago.
More than year ago the Commissioners
addressed a letter to me touching on that
question, and the answer which ! sent,
! think, represented the sentiment of the
local wheelmen concerning it.
But wish 10 say for the good OF the
riders themselves that the main benefit
derived lies in the Illustration which tie
concession affords 1t shows The advan-
tage of agttating any subject OF concern
&c the wheelmen. Personally think It
would be better to abolish lights OF all
kinds on both wheels and other vehicles.
The only time a light is really needed is
when one is riding over country roads at
night.
There are many things which the local
whcelmen endure in the way of municipal
regulations which would never be tolerated
In other cities, and it is principally due TO
the apathy and lack OF concerted action on
tie part of the wheelmen themselves The
failure 10 enforce the regulation requiring
vehicles, 10th bicycles and others, to keep
On the right hand side of the street is un-
questionHbly the cause of more accidents
than all other things combined. The l. A
w. is making fight TO have this regulation
enforced, and if successful, consider that
1t viii he one of the most important things
ever achieved by the league
Washington wheelmen should cultivate q
more fraternal spirit. for nothing can be
gained where unity is lacking''