New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-04-18
SIGNS FOR MOTORISTS
WORK OF NEW BUREAU.
4mericaR automobile association
Takes Up the II Ork.

The greatest touring year in the history Of auto
MODELLING will be begun this spring From all parts
of the country indications that motoring Tor
pleasure. both by private owners and through club
runs, will be mere popular than ever. The Ameri-
Automobile Association tour for the Glldden
trophy, which has always been great stlmulator
of touring. viii 10 large extent set the pace IN
the West. In addition. scores of clubs are planning
TO hold members runs lasting from 10 three or
four days.
Tours of this sort, where the element of compe-
tition is not too pronounced. genuine educators
To the touring provides the keenest en-
joyment for himself. his family and friends Whlle
giving him the same time a better understand
ing of the possibilities of his Automobile tour
ing has improved hundreds of places the or
binary village inn tavern; it has developed ne"
pleasure resorts it has demonstrated the CONNER
cial possibilities of the motor car in rural districts
and. above all. it has given greater impetus for
good roads than any other agency In the United
States
With the good roads activity has grown the de-
mand for satisfactory information 1t Is pleasans
thing for the automobist to know just where IN d
lS0 200 mile journey he will find good ROADS,
hut it is equally important for him to know no"
to reach them Hence the demand for route cards
maps and sign posts. The lack of these requisites
in the past has inflicted misery upon more than
one touring party. In a few isolated cases local
pride has asserted-itself in proper care OF sign
posts that the traveller may ascertain whether
he IS the right road and whether he is going
TO away from his destined place 1t is not TOO
much to say that to the growing popularity Of the
automobile, more than anything else is due the
excellent s. stem Of signhoard information now sup
piled most OF the favorite touring localities
But much remains to be done. and the American
Automobile Association through It's touring in
formation bureau under the craftsmanship Of Powell
Evans, OF Philadelphia, has begun national cam
paign for the securing and dissemination OF touring
information in all parts of the country.
herr n n
hundred and more clubs In the American Automo-
bile Association that have not hitherto given serious
attention this subject to provide not only sign
posts for the roads in immediate vicinity bat
also compile clear, comprehensive road map
of their district In order 10 facilitate this work
Sir. Evans has virtually MADE his touring informa-
ton bureau a national clearing house for such in
formation ard material His idea Is to supply. so
far as possible uniform signs and uniform road
maps and the favorable response that his requests
have met with in many parts of the country indi-
Gates the readiness of automobile clubs 10 provide
these aids TO comfortable touring provided the i'm
retlls is given in the right direction
As first step toward this policy Of national tour
ing information Mr.. Evans has asked every auto
mobile club in the country appoint its tour
ing information board and the chairman of this
board will be member Of the American Automobile
Association board
Before the close of the season the American Au-
tomobiIe Association touring board expects to have
prepared for its members Z large number cf new
road maps carefully printed. With good. had and
poor roads clearly marked in addition hotel and
garage information. These road maps will be Of
uniform size, published cards not larger than
by 10 inches o. IN bulletin Of that size 80 that
81 may readily n into mans pocket. This Aueri-
can Automobile Association map work will be based
on covernu- eut maps 50 far possible, the scale
being one inch 10 the mile These Will he put 70
cether. finished With the good roads system photo
graphed down 10 half size on scale Of one-half
inch 70 the mile ard nrnted on linen thus giFins
finished pocket map - r. :" inches This plan
has been formulated after q careful study Of the
route map problem in tits country and abroad
An added impetus 30 this good road and touring
information movement by the various American Au-
tornohia Association clubs throughout The country
has been given ~ tho strong official Endorsement or
the national assocat ton ny the United States govern
mont in appointing representatives from the Amer
ioan Automobile Association the National con
servation Commission. Mr.. Evans in d recent letter
To Clifford Pnchot chairman of this COMMISSION s"ld
that The American Automobile Associate is able
and willing 70 advance rho cause 81 good roads and
everything that relates 10 them all over the country