The Penn's Grove record., 1899-03-17
Bicycle Riding.

Bicycle Riding.
The question of riding bicycles on
the side walks entered somewhat into
the Borough election on Tuesday and
may have had solne result in the con-
test fer Mayor. Before the shells were
put upon the streets four months ago
there was a good path for bicycles at
the side of the wagon tracks, but since
then it was impossible to ride in the
road. Consequently, all bicycles have
run on the side walks. Most of the
riders work at the Powder Works.
Very few people object to the use of
the side walk if riders did not abuse
the rights of those walking. Yet there
are some who are on a leisure stroll
whose mind are absent, when a bell is
rung or word of warning given, who be-
come offended by being asked to take
three steps to accommodate riders who
have been laboring all day or all night.
We have ridden a bicycle for ten
years, and had but little difficulty or
complaint by riding on the side walk.
1t is those who abuse their privilege
and do not have as much thought for
others as they wish others to have for
them that causes the trouble and com
plants. Persons with good judgment
will step to the right and let a wheel
man pass, yet when there is a process
sion of persons on the side walk it is
better judgment for the wheelman to
6ismount and walk by them, for
many will not notice the signal in
time to step one side.
Wheelmen abuse their privilege when
they rush by a person at full speed, es-
pecially when passing from the rear.
Some persons are so nervous as to be
startled and just as apt to jump to the
left in front Of the wheel as to step or
keep to the right. Every person, both
footman and wheelman, should AL
WAYS KEEP TO THE RIGHT. Wheel
men should approach persons at such a
slow gait that they can dismount If the
person does not hear nor heed the warn
ing bell to let them pass.
1t is the Borough law by ordinance
that bicycles are not allowed on the
side walk. That is the strict letter OF
the law. We were present when the
ordinance was discussed before Its aoop'
ton and gave our objection because we
were about the only one who then rode
to and from business. AT That time
many rode for pleasure and 1t was their
custom to go at full speed and have lit
tie or no regard for footmen. we sug-
gested a change in the ordinance Tor
leDiency on those who did not abuse
the privileges of foutmen, while they
may break the stric. Pharasaical letter
of the law. 1t was thought best to
leave it strong so there would be nc
loop hole for those offenders who exer.
cised no regards for footmen and so it
stands.
Occasionally a wheelman passes a
person on the side walk with a scoWl OF
q growl to "get off the side walk
when there is no other person in sight,
but it is very rare, as most people nave
consideration to step aside. When
there is a large number OF persons or
the side walk, like when a church ser
vice, or An entertainment has just beer
dismissed, or on Saturday evenings WI
have had occasion to object to a wheel
man asking us to clear the side walk
because we do not ask nor claim tina
any wheelman should ask such. DIS
mount and walk by the crowd is best.
Bicycles are classed in law as vehi
cles, wagons. Wagons are prohibited
the use of side walks, not only because
they interfere with footmeD, but be
cause they cut up the side walk. Bi
cycles do not cut up the side walk, buI
make 1t better. When roads are i'm
passable wagons have the legal right tt
use private property and the owner car
claim damages. Vehicles are entitled
10 ElBulo u PdSonSos Vhou io"uo az
impossible bicycles should have IA RICH
of passage, but that right should not b.
injurious to footmen.
The spirit Of the law is to protec
footmen. When that is complied will
the Pharasee who wants the strict let
ter Of the law has a porcine spirit.
Searching should not be allowed OIL
the side walk. Some months ago
Miss Condit. at East Orange was rul
down and killed. Judge Fort, In hi