Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-27
FOREIGN CYCLE NEWS

In Russia 1t is no wonder that bicycling
is not as popular as 1t might be. Before
a person is allowed to ride the wheel in
the streets Of St. Petersburg a permit is
necessary which is issued by the city adj
ministratfon under a number of strict regu-
lations. No charge is made for the per-
init, but the rider has to pay the cost OF
the revenue stamp, and for a little PAM
phlet containing rules and regulations
regarding cycle riding in the city. The
permit costs $1.13 in our money, and must
be renewed annually. Before the permit is
given the rider is obliged to pass an ex
animation showing that he can ride. A
number of other apparent absurdities have
to be undergone. The regulations govern
ing riders are as fellows:
1. Bicycle riding in the streets of the
city is allowed only on low two-wheeled
bicycles, or on bicycles of other types
which are considered by the city admins
tratlon not dangerous; only those of proper
age who have received a permit from the
st. Petersburg city administration can ride
Remarks: l. The permit must bear the
name of the proprietor, and is given only
to persons who know how to ride a wheel.
,. BY city governors special order the per-
son who receives permit to ride bicycle
must give a photograph Of himself which
is attached to the permit
2. Every person who has received a per-
NIT to ride bicycle in the city is sup
piled by the city administration with a
number; he must have on his bicycle a bell
and after dark lighted lantern.
j. Each person riding bicycle must carry
with him the permit with the printed regu-
lations published in it.
4. Fast riding or racing in the city is not
allowed.
8. Riders must always keep to the right
and as near the sidewalk as possible.
d. Riders must pass foot passengers and
equipages on the left hand side if posi-
BILE.
Z. If overtaking a foot passenger or an
equipage the rider must in due time ring
mis- bell. and he must pass slowly. To ring
without need is prohibited. Remark: No
other signals except bells are allowed.
s. In case horses should take fright at
bicycle the rider must stop and alight
D. In turning corner or in crossing
street the bicycle must be ridden very
slowly and bell rung.
IT, In localities where there is much pub
lie traffic and many equipages riders must
alight and lead wheels
H. When several bicycle riders rid
ing together they must ride one after the
other at distance not less than fourteen
feet between each bicycle.
T. 1t is prohibited to ride or lead bicy-
Gle on sidewalks, roads for pedestrians
boulevards, squares and parks.
ID Riding d bicycle in the city in a rae
ing costume without a coat or in such
costume as would attract attention is pro-
hibited.
The cycling regulations of France ac-
cordlng to recent ministerial decree. are
not near so strict as in Russia This is
probably due to the influence of the Tour
ing Club de France. A synopsis Of the reg
ulationS is follows:
Each wheel must be provided with a
gong or bell capable of being heard at a
distance of fifty wards; plate bearing the
name and address of the owner must be
attached to the frame. and lanterns must
be lighted by shutdown.
NUnli ct fa1r1 fh1
vehicle and when passing one must take
the left, slowing up and sounding their
bell.
Drivers of vehicles and men on horseback
must go to the right on the approach of
cycle, SO as to leave the wheelman a space
at least eight feet in width.
In crowded thoroughfares the cyclist
must diSmount and lead his wheel
1t is forbidden for cyclists to form groups
so as to obstruct the public ways, or pass
through funeral corteges or military pro-
ceSsions.
Cyclists are forbidden to ride on foot
paths reserved for pedestrians. excepting
when in the country, where the roads are
being paved or mended. In cases where il
is permitted to ride on footpaths the rider
must moderate his speed when meeting
pedestrians.
In Germany the regulations are much
more strict, and cycling on the public
streets and roads is subject to minute and
carefully enforced police regulations. The
gist of the regulations is:
Every wheel must bear the name and ad-
dress of the owner provided at the expense
OF the rider
The lamp must be placed high on the
wheel and kept burning when in motion
half an hour after sunset to half an hour
before sunrise. Every wheel must be pro-
vided with a bell or gong.
Riding on roads exclusively intended for
pedestrians or elevated footpaths is
strictly prohibited.
it can be done without blocking the thor
oughfare annoyance to other riders or
vehicles; otherwise riders must proceed in
single file.
overtaking such. OR, further, when ap-
preaching passages of the road where 1t
is not possible to see a clear distance, or
when going down a steep descent, the rider
Is obliged to give frequent and measured
distance signals with his bell to avoid col
lisions and warn people in the vicinity.
Fast riding and racing on the public roads
are strictly prohibited.
At very steep down grades of the road
the rider must dismount and guide his
wheel until the descent is passed before re-
mounting.
When called upon at any time by police
officials cyclists are required to dismount,
and are obliged to give such officials any
information they may deem necessary to
demand.
For violation of any of the above rules
and regulations a fine not to exceed sixty
marks (s14.2S may be imposed, or impris-
onment in jail for not more than two
weeks. or both, may be inflicted for each
offense.
A recent visitor to Bavaria has written
home, telling some of his trials and tribu-
latiors. According to his lament, a person
who desires the privilege of riding a wheel
in Munich must first announce himself at
police headquarters. After giving his name,
age, birthplace, profession and general
good character, an appointment is made for
him to appear and give an exhibition of
riding before experts. If, from nervousness,
he doesn't happen to make his mount the
first time, he is disqualified. If, however.
naturalness, after the payment of s.. D. he
is given two metal numbers One of these