CYCLING CONFERENCE.

A meeting of delegates from local cycling bodies, convened by the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, was held, in the Clarendon Hotel yesterday evening. Present: — Dr Boyd (chairman), and Mr Homau (Christchurch Cycle Association), Messrs W. E. Thompson, P. T. Pannell and T. Clarkson (League of New Zealand Wheelmen). A letter was received from the New Zealand Cyclists' Touring Club with regard to the transit of cycles by rail. It was stated that the club had brought the matter before the Government, who were at present experimenting with a view to . devising better means for the carriage of bicycles. It was decided to write to the Minister of Kailways, endorsing the action taken by the Touring Club, and emphasising the urgency of the matter. The question of the City Council's by-laws as relating to cycling was considered. Mr Pannell said that a deputation from a former conference had waited upon the Council before the new by-laws were drawn up, and it had been agreed that the Council should submit a draft copy to the conference before the new rules were printed. Mr Clarkson said he understood that the by-laws were now in force, and that Councillor Gray had, before they were printed, fully explained the various clauses to two local cycling bodies, who had been satisfied with them. The Secretary (Mr Kesteven) was instructed to write to the Council asking for a copy of the , by-laws, and . for_ information. °.'aa.,to. whether the By-laws Committee .would receive a deputation fr,6m the - conference on ..the matter.. ..Mr Pannell drew attention to the practice of trams being stopped iv the centre of crossings in crowded thoroughfares. The practice caused a congestion of traffic that was dangerous to cyclists and others. The corner of Cashel and Colombo Streets supplied a typical case. He said that this difficulty could easily be obviated by trams stopping just past the corners instead of blocking the crossings. It was decided to draw the Council's attention to the matter. Some discussion took place on the danger caused to cyclists by tram lines in various parts of the town and suburbs protruding above the road surface, and the Secretary was instructed to write to the various Councils, pointing thi9 out.' Mr Clarkson referred to the great improvement in the streets of the, town during the past eighteen months. Mr Pannell agreed that the City Council had been making praiseworthy efforts in this direction, but thought there was still much to be desired from the cyclist's point of view. Sufficient attention was not given to the sides of the road, where wheelmen almost invariably rode. He also wished .to know whether the tarred path from the corner of Morten's Block to Chancery Lane was legally available to cyclists, as a constable, had. threatened to" summon a cyclist for using it. The- Secretary was instructed to obtain, information oh the point. Th§ conference then terminated. . ;'~'*. ...-.■"'.... . ■'...