CYCLISTS’ GRIEVANCES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2125, 6 July 1907, Page 2

CYCLISTS’ GRIEVANCES.

enthusiastic meeting.

Tho meeting of cyclists convened for tho purpose of forming nn association and for discussion of the question, which had byinterest on account of TownA M.yor oo«upi.f tUo c 1,.,, anJ Mr.

\y J. Barlow actod as sooie I’lio attondanco was largo and enthusiastic aml tho evening was not allowed to go by without humorous inchlonts, tor the ladies (half a dozen or more) and gentlemen present weio in a. jovial mood and witticisms WMO frequent and ovokod some creditable spocimoiis of impromptu ropartoo. In spito oi that, howovor, business I was proceeded with heartily aild noai I the conclusion of tlio mooting, tho I Mayor romarked that not only had they formed themselves into an assoI ciation but had started oil a financial

basis. As soon as tho resolution croating tho association was passed tlio names of all prosonfc wero taken as members and half-crowns camo very freely oil tho table. It was made quito .clear that tlio members of tlio newly-formed association wero m earnest and meant all they said, lhey clearly intend to do all possible to secure somo solution of the problem. The Mayor said they, had.mot to

make a start in. improving Wio position of cyclists in Gisborne. It was very unfortunate that tlio roads wero so bad, but tlio primary difficulty was to- got metal. It was almost impossible and almost unsafe to ndo a bicycle on the roads. A little while a< r o he was riding his machine anu nTet a little girl struggling along a slippery and rutty road with a child also on the bike. Their safety was seriously endangered. A child was not allowed to ride on tho footpath but a perambulator was, and it took up much more room. (Cries of “Shame.”) In Rotorua, which had not a great population, six feet were reservod for cyclists. There were many roads in Gisborne pot crowded and all of them ot the lull width across, and it appeared to him that they could safely ride on the outer end of the paths under proper regulations and the cyclists should keep to the edge and pedestrians to have the inside running. He saw no difficulty in their working together tor rtf* WAR nlfvntv

of room and no cyclists would be allowed on the inner area. Both parties needed to consent and he was confident they would get on well together I if each party would split their rights. The speaker had no good word for scorchers. That sort of riding, he I said, deterred people from making any I move for the benefit of cycle riders. He would like to see the footpath scheme tried if he had his way. He I was confident that tho ladies would I not scorch if granted the concession I and would prove to the male population that the footpaths could be used-,. It was very difficult to drill this into I people’s heads. He hoped the meet-

ing would sottle down to business anu promulgate some system whereby riders would have a bettor time. Some people talked of a track. He said this was impracticable because the edges would require so much attention and the expenses would be more than they would care to pay. It was much more simple and safer and a great doal better, and the footpath scheme could be carried out. Ho hoped the meeting would keep at it and bring forth something definite in improving present conditions. The Borough Council had power to lay bike tracks and to protect- them to the best of their ability and make them safe for

tlie travelling public. Bikes, in Gisborne, he could, would improve the outer edge of the footpaths. (Applause.) Mr. Barlow had some propositions and the Mayor called on liim t‘o explain. Mr. Barlow apologised for tho absence of tlio following, whom he said were strongly in favor of this movement, but business prevented their attendance: Miss AVarren, Cr. Mann, Adair Bros., Messrs A. T. Hookey, G. Bull, Kinder, A. G. Beero, and L. T. Symes. AVith reference to getting new regulations for the benefit of cyclists he had heard a great* many * » 1 1 1 -1 £ 4-1-w-v

comments and he had drafted out the different opinions and had written out a motion, with the view of putting something definite before the Borough Council and getting what they desired. He tabled the following resolutions : That a Cyclists Association be formed having in view for its objects the better regulation of tlie Rule of the ■Road, and tho betterment of the existing conditions. . . 1. By arranging witli the Council if allowed to uke the outer portion of the footpath, to a width of three feet from the kerb (excepting those named by the Council, as the inner or restricted area). 2. To advance every measure to

prevent riders riding at more than five miles an houu, or in any way endangering or inconveniencing- pe destrians, who are to be acknowledged as having prior claim to the footpath. 3. In order to maintain this measure a nominal sum of Is per annum to be charged as registration for each owner of a bicycle, the registration number to be affixed at all times to tlie bicycle, and by observing tho existing "by-lays by using lamps and bells. 4. That all members of the Association become rangers for tlie purpose of checking any abuse of the privilege, and upon joining the "Association to sign an agreement to bring to justice any offenders. T-Tmirs nf virlimr from 6 a.m. to

O. Hums 1 i Will v/ >V/ 6.30 p.m., May to August included, and 5 a.m. to'B p.m., September to April. lSacli resolution was discussed separately and voted upon. Eventually all were carried with slight- modifications. Mr. Barlow said that an association should be formed on the lines suggested and he was confident they would get at least 600 signatures to lay before the Council. The Rev. Cockerill begged leave to ask a question, and stated that reference was made at the meeting of the Borough Council which was deputationised that the police could take action under the Police Act. If they could act irrespective of the Council it was of no use to go any further. He expressed himself in sympathy

with the object of the meeting. The Mayor replied that the Police Offences Act did the same as the Borough by-laws, but if the" Council set aside certain streets the police would probably have a list of the streets and would certainly not interfere, he thought, although they had the power at present. This point must be cleared up when tho question came before t'he Council. A gentleman suggested some streets on which only one side was utilised, such as Childers road and Stout street, tlie other side be done up and used by cyclists. The Mayor remarked that anything done in that direction would still be a footpath to the twelve feet limit of the fence. The funds only allowed the Council to make the footpaths on one side. A speaker rose with the remark

that the Police Act said one thing and the Borough said another. The Act was of very old date, and it provided that simply by setting a place aside for a footpath, and thus a cyclist would be liable for riding on ground never used for that purpose. The municipal footpath, on the other hand, was defined as being formed, kerbed, and gravelled. It was for the magistrate who exercised the duties of his office honorably to deal with all, no matter who they were. Mr. C. A. Nield remarked that the magistrate had said that he had to administer the by-laws as he found them.

The Mayor explained that no one was finding fault with the police. Mr. Evans thought that a 4ft width should be asked for instead of 3ft. Mr. H. De Costa proposed as an amendment that a bike track 3ft aide be formed from the wharf to Roebuck-road, and that all cyclists should bo charged the sum of 2s 6d, and all subscriptions to go towards making the track and keeping it in order. Mr. Stafford-seconded the amendment pro forma, and said that the footjiaths could be used without much inconvenience. The Rev. Cockerill was of opinion that the question of tracks should be held in abeyance. He would like to move as an" amendment to clear up a difficulty that one side of the footpath be used for proceeding east and the other for going west. A wag interjected that one would need to lie ferried across to come down again. , Mr. Barlow said they would almost certainly be restricted to one side of the road. There was more feeling than those present were probably aware on the children’s behalf against the cyclists. He thought they had the Council with them. They saw the necessity lor doing something. As it was a question of detail, the Rev. Cockerill withdrew his amendment. Mr. Thompson suggested, as an amendment, that the ladies and juniors be admitted to membership at Is and adults (over 21) at 2s 6d. Mr. De Costa seconded. The Rev. Cockerill rose to propose an amendment—“l can propose another amendment ” he said. “One thing at a time,” replied the Mayor. Rev. Cockerill: I have been experienced in conducting meetings. 1 Cries for the Chairman were heard.

Tho Mayor ruled against him. Mr. Rowley said ho was treatod the same way. , , ilov. Cockorill said he had boon accustomed to conduct business in a very mistaken way. , Tho Mayor: Very likely. After consideration and discussion of various details, tho Mayor said the association was now formed and the proper thing to do was to got members and any proposal having that for its object would bo taken.

A question was asucu us i tlie Association was going to do with I the funds. Mr. Lone recommended that tnoir I disposal bo loft to tho committee. Tho election of officors was next proceeded with. Dr. Schumacher was proposed as president, when tho Rev. Cockorill had ail amendment asking that the I olection.be deforrod until a futuro meeting. . It was not seconded, and lapsed. Tlie rov. gentleman explained that he only objected aB a gonoral prin*on tho motion of Mr. 0. A. Niold the Association was named the Gisi borno Cyclists’ Association. Socond- , ed by Mr. Koir, and carried.

Tho following composod tho committoo:—Messrs. F. J. Rowley, It. Johnston, \V. J. Barlow, Thompson, Anderson, C. A. Niold, G. Morrison, G. A. Beore, and Revs. Chattorton

and Cockorill. Tlio meeting closed with a hearty voto of thanks to tho chairman. At tho committee meeting held aftorwards it was resolved to divide the town into districts to receive signatures for enrolment as members. Dr. Schumacher was elected president and Mr. AV. J. Barlow secretary and treasurer.