BICYCLES ON FOOTPATHS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21219, 16 September 1940, Page 9

BICYCLES ON FOOTPATHS

(To the Editor.) Sir, — I noticed in your paper dated September 10, that one of your readers has worked himself up into a fine rage over those few miscreants who will wheel their bicycles on the footpaths. Before 1 proceed, may I point out a couple of descrepancies in P.E.S’.s argument? Firstly, to compare the opening and closing sentences, I quote: “ On Saturday morning I witnessed a police constable’s remonstrance with a youth who had parked a bicycle on the pavement in Victoria Street.” And now the final sentence: “ Isn’t it high time that council and constabulary began to enforce the law a little? ” He then goes on to say that when two bicycles are wheeled together, as they frequently are, nothing remains for the lawful user of the foothpath but to step off into the road. May I point out that to my knowledge there are only two pavements in Hamilton in which there is no room for two bicycles and three persons abreast. These two footpaths are those in the Anglesea Street cutting and the railway bridge pavement. How often have you seen anyone meeting a bicycle on the “ cutting ” footpath? Very seldom. Almost without exception persons wheeling bicycles on the railway bridge are quite willing to give way to anyone in a tearing hurry. Might I suggest that while P.E.S. is about it, he may as well move that pushchairs and perambulators be excluded from the footpaths. Goodness knows how much more inconvenient they are to handle. If P.E.S. ever rides a push-bicycle, has he ever had the hardship of getting a “ blow-out ” when a couple of miles from home? I suppose that under these circumstances he would lift the bicycle on to his shoulder and being careful not to walk on pavements, return home.—l am, etc.,

__ ... PENNY. Hamilton, September 14.