Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-05
MAJOR MOORE'S REPORT

In the annual report of Major William G.
Moore. superintendent of police, which just
makes its appearance in the first volume of
the annual report OF the Commissioners,
there are several paragraphs relative to the
work Of the department which are of in
terest to the local wheelmen. For the bet
ter information of all riders these extracts
are given, and also compilation of all po-
lice regulations regarding cycling. Regard
ing the bicycle police squad the following
appears:
Prior to the detail of a police squad to
enforce bicycle regulations and those in
tended to prevent reckless driving there
was considerable discussion of the abuses
which the general adoption of the machines
had brought about upon the smooth-paved
streets of the District. and a vigorous de-
msnd for police intervention against
'scorchers.' Congress was urged to allow
funds for the purchase of the wheels to
mount detail, but appropriation was
not granted. In further efforts to protect
the public, several experienced members
of the force were induced to provide BICYCLES
at their own expense and these they have
ridden and kept in repair at their individual
cost since the detail was started. In the
enforcement of the laws apprehension of
violators followed thick and fast and the
cry OF imposition and unfairness was soon
raised by many of those interested. Tho
officers. in their efforts to do public SER
vice, began to believe that they had made
a mistake in offering the use of their prop
erty to the government. The ingratitude
evidenced by many, l am pleased to state,
was not shared in by law-abiding citizens,
and despite the fact of severe criticism
those detailed have quietly pursued their
way, accomplishing excellent results in the
wide field afforded them. In obedience to
public demands, the men were uniformed
a nd hoy Qro 70. f1ni,~
bearing and disposition to do what is right
Under the many unpleasant features which
accompany their actions"
A summary of the work of the squad for
the last fiscal year Is given, which shows
the total number of arrests made by the
four men to have been .4O2. This is nearly
an average of one arrest per man per day.
In all Of the cases the total amount of
fines imposed was $4.3l95O. OF the total
number Of arrests 1,O42 were on account OF
fast riding, while 154 were apprehended for
rot having light, and 12S for failing to
carry bell. There were three arrested for
coasting and three more for riding on the
sidewalks. This is all of the bicycle cases
made. OF the others only three arrests
were made for driving on the wrong side of
the street. and sixteen other people were
arrested for fast driving"
Continuing, the report says: There have
been some changes In the regulations for
the movement of bicycles. In other cities
where the machine is in use laws and or
chances have been passed agreeably to
conditions. One important point which pre-
walls elsewhere is the license tax. Owners
of bicycles are required to pay an annual
license, small in proportion, which insures
their registration, and assists materially in
the Identification of the property when
stolen or lost. For the information OF
wheelmen the subjoined extract is printed
as embodying in the main the regulations
for their guidance in the District
shall have bells so attached thereto or to
the animals drawing the same, as to sound
when such vehicle is in motion; motor car
riageS and all cycles, BICYCLES and tricy-
cles shall have at all times a suitable gong
or bell. sufficiently distinctive from the
bells provided for the fire department and
ambulance service, so attached as to be
readily sounded for the purpose of warm
ing persons of their approach, and all
cycles, bicycles and tricycles in motion
one hour after sunset and until one hour
before sunrise shall display suitable
light.
Every vehicle in motion on a public high
way shall keep on the right side thereof.
Pennsylvania avenue shall be considered
as two streets, separated by the car tracks,
but the general movement of vehicles
thereon shall be subordinated to the bust
ness OF the shops and stores. Every We
hicle when passing another vehicle facing
or moving in the opposite direction, shall
pass to the right, but in passing another
vehicle moving in the same direction shall
PASS to the left. When vehicle is to be
turned around, it shall have the right of
way II turned to the right. If necessary
to turn about to the left, the person in
charge thereof shall see that his way is
clear before turning. Every vehicle turn
ing to the left into an intersecting street
shall move SO as to leave sufficient clear
space between 1t and the left-hand curb
to permit the safe passage of another We
hicle. Every vehicle, in turning corner
to the right, shall keep to the right of the
<P he
No vehicle shall be so directed as to
crowd any person on a bicycle on or
against the curb of the street, or on or
against any other vehicle or object In such
street, or off CT over any eInbankment or
into any aperture or depression. Travel
on the public streets shall be regulated at
all intersecting crossings by allowing the
right of way to those going north and
south.
On and after March 1, 1893, all motor
carriages and all vehicles drawn by draft
animals in motion between one hour after
sunset and one hour before sunrise shall
display lighted lamps, so placed as to be
visible from the front and both sides there
of.
No bicycle shall be propelled across any
intersecting streets on which there are
car tracks. in the city of Washington, at
a greater rate of speed than six miles an
hour, nor greater rate of speed between
intersecting streets and avenues or across
streets on which there are no car lines
than twelve miles an hour, nor at a great
er rate of speed on any public street or
roadway outside OF said city than fifteen
miles an hour.
Every bicycle on a public highway shall
at all times be under the control of the
rider.
Inasmuch as safety in passing with
rapidly moving vehicles requires that the
riders or drivers approaching each other
shall each be able to judge of the probable
movement of the approaching vehicle. no
bicycle shall be ridden on the streets with
in the-cfty limits with the lower end of the
handle bars on q plane lower than four