SPEED FIENDS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 606, 11 February 1921, Page 5

SPEED FIENDS.

LIGHT-HEADED MOTOR CYCLISTS ON PUKEKOHE! STREETS.

It is gratifying to record that since the paragraph appeared in the “Times,” relative to the ..danger of “scooters” being used on King Street footpaths, that the practice has been considerably decreased and also to the fact that the matter has been taken up by. the Borough Council. There is still even a greater menace in King Street than the trifling “scooter,” and that is the motor cycle. For many months past motor cycles have been increasing in numbers, and King Street appears to be a veritable park for the motor cycle, as well as a try-out “track” and speed ground. Quite recently, on a market day, when the street was crowded with farmers’ turnouts, a motor cycle engine was started and several horses took fright,, and it was only through good luck that an accident was averted. This is not the only danger. There are about five motor cyclists, and they ride Indians, who proceed up and down King Street at a speed of nothing short of 40 miles per hour. They also cut corners at a rate of about 25 or 30 miles an hour. Especially on. a day when people are about in large numbers and during the. afternoons when children are returning to their homes from school, is the danger aggiavated. These so-called “speed kings” evidently have no conception as to the risk they are running, not only to their own lives but to the lives of many others. If the street was clear they could proceed at the rate of 100 miles per hour, and if they czrme the proverbial and extinguished the light of their life, it would not matter much to the general public, because the blame would rest entirely on their own shoulders We understand the Borough Council has aj set of bylaws prohibiting excessive speeds in the borough, and also notices erected warning people to proceed down or up the main street at four miles per hour. Why is it then that the bylaws are not stringently enforced ? If the Borough Council decides to take action in the matter, we will be pleased to furnish them with the names of five or six offenders. A number of wellknown citizens have drawn our attention to the* matter, and during the lasts day or two we have seen motor cyclists (not one) proceeding up King Street at the rate of 40 miles an hour. The practice should be put down at oncee and for ever in . the interests of the peaceful residents of Pukekohe. One complainant characterised the motor cycle as a scourge to the country.