New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-04
CYCLING.
POTTER SEES A GREAT FUTURE FOR AU
MOBILES-ACKERLY ON THE
NATIONAL HIGHWAY

Isaac b. Potter, ex-presdent of the League of
American Wheelmen. is firm believer in the auto
mobile and he says that compare lively few people
have any idea how general is interest in horse
less carriages. why, ten years from now said
Mr.. Potter yesterday, there will be more auto
mobiles IN this city than horses. Except for the
fact that the manufacturers of the horseless car
rages will not be able to meet the demand would
make that five years, instead OF ten. Now good
roads absolutely essential for the automobiles
and the sidepath movement will help them a
particle. doubt if there will be any amalga-
nation between the Automobile Club and the
League of American Wheelmen in good roads work
but there will be cooperation which is the same
thing in the end At the same time am convinced
that thenerest in automobiles will not lessen the
universal interest in the bicycle 1 will wager that
you will find that more bicycles will be sold to
in any five years. Now all that you have to do
cycle So you ca see that the farmer viii work
for good roads with greater enthusiasm than he
tranecontinentai highway, but such scheme is
largely visionary at this time. Regarding wheel
project and if it could be done. would believe in
however. unite wheelmen on party lines Now,
when we go to the Democrats in the Legislature
course we will support it, hut then. you see we
fu G M'A' 'heS know they VIII not be asked to
H. E. Acazery, one of the officers of the New
York State Division of the League OF American
Wheelmen,s has given considerable to the
subject of good roads and good roads legisa ton.
I'VE have theard much nonsense about good roads
work and legislation" said Mr.. Ackery yesterday
land some Of those who bowling the loudest
do not know what they talking about. 1 see
1T stated this morning what a grand scheme 1t
would be for National highway from coast to
coast and that the way to get 1t is for State and
National Government to pay two-thirds of the cost
and the farmers the other third. Now II has been
estimated by competent authorities that it costs in
this State an average of 5000 mile to build
sixteen-foot macadamized road 1t would cost
something like, $4,000 mile If we make that Ma.
tional highway 100 feet wide as suggested. Now
where would the farmer in, whose property
was alongside that highway? Why, his assess
ment alone would be from three five times what
his entire farm was worth He could better afford
TO give his farm away than pay any such assess
highway be built and that is for the States
the right of way through his farm you are asking
all he can afford to give The farmers burdens
are heavy enough as they are
Many wheelrnen are getting ready TO take tours
into the country. Letters Of inquiry are coming
to this office asking about the sidepath work that
has been done on Long Island since last year One
writer says that he does not object to paying for
a sidepath license. but that he would like to know
something about the paths. especially the new ones
Fl. B. Fullerton. the newly appointed Highway
Commissioner of the League of American Wheel
men promises 10 make special study of this sub
bee w ano s as soon aS the opens in
of the roads and cycle paths on Long Island
Wheelmen are preparing ride their BICYCLES to
and from their places of business Hundreds Of
them live in Brooklyn. and will be compelled TO
ride over the Bridge. One enthusiast who Is en-
ployed at night, says: II think that some arrange
ment should be made by which wheelmen In case
OF necessity should be allowed to take their wheels
on the Bridge cars. of course. outside the rush
hours The elevated roads will bring them to this
borough from Brooklyn; why should they not take
them from this borough to Brooklyn?''
some portions of Eastern Parkway. Brooklyn,
are badly in need of repair. Beyond Nostrand-ave
the roadway needs resurfacing and rolling The
road is rough and loose stones abound
Cooper and Kiser the racing men, are taking
daily road work White Plains They are
this season - 'N
Complaint is made of the speed OF the triplets and
other big machines on the cycle paths A sextuplet
ran down a wheelman near Gravesend on Sunday
and injured him severely.