CYCLE TRACK TACTICS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14929, 17 March 1949, Page 2

CYCLE TRACK TACTICS

Sir, —Your correspondent "Form Fours," who suggested that a solution to the traffic problem arising from cyclists riding more than two abreast on the Cameron Road track might be to affix helicopter rotors atop of the handle bars, is, while doubtless in intent amusing, nothing else.

He contended that a bunch of cyclists (a), approaching another bunch of cyclists (b), from the opposite direction, and who would be similarly equipped with the device he proposes, would avoid a collision by "wafting" overhead the (a) coterie, thus averting an otherwise inescapable (except by "peeling off") collision. What would be the outcome if the unit (a) were to ascend at the aproach of (b) with the intention of overpassing it, and (b), simultaneously and for a like purpose, did the same? Aside of an impasse, which would be the result of a bit of quick thinking, leaving both bunches hovering in veritable indecision, they would collide, entwining their machines in a foray of spokes and lacerated rotor blades, to pitch holus-bolus to the pavemen. The injuries incurred would of course be a good deal worse than would be the case in an ordinary collision at ground level. I half anticipate your correspondent will reply suggesting the provision, in the cyclists' equipage, of a parachute, or merely a "brolly" perhaps, with which, having become extricated from the enmeshes of the wrecked machines, to descend disarmingly and unhurt (?) to the ground. However, faceti'ousness aside, it may be easier still, he would probably hold, to overcome the difficulty with the introduction of a new traffic by-law, prohibiting the passing of "gyrobikes" except from the left and in single file.—-I am, ect ., HALIBUT OIL..

Sir,— Having read "Form Fours'" letter in Monday's issue of the Bay of Plenty Times, I would like to ask the cyclists to use a great deal more care when riding on the cycle track at the time children are boarding a bus. Last Friday I was in a bus and we pulled up to pick up the little children. They were all nicely lined up in the care of a teacher. There was also a boy with his "safety first" notice stopping all eye'e traffic while the children got on the bus. Towards the end one or two children who were a fraction late rushed out onto the path to get the bus. In both cases they were nearly knocked over by a boy on a bicycle who just rushed along at a great speed. The teacher who was trying to grab them to safety was also nearly knocked over. Remember when riding along the track that either of these little girls might be your child, or sister.— I am, etc., "SAFETY FIRST."