THE CYCLISTS AND THE ROADS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12174, 20 April 1905, Page 9

THE CYCLISTS AND THE ROADS.

TO IBX KDITOK O» TH* PUSS. Sir,— Regarding the action taken by cyclkte ana automobilista in connection with the approaching municipal elections, and their intention to support candidates pledged to protect their interest* and provide better roade and the proper regulation of traffic, I have a suggestion to make which I commend to the various cycling clubs and the Automobile Association. At various periods estimates have appeared in the public Prase giving the number of cyclists in and about the city, and if I remember rightly the latest estimate published was in the neighbourhood of 12,000. I believe that this is an under-estimate, and I should cay that the number is more like 20,000. When it ie considered that in nearly every household there are one or more cycles, I think it will be found that the figures I have mentioned are not far off being correct. But some doubt will always exist on the subject, and in order to give the public generally an idea of the number of cyclists in the city, I would suggest that the cycling clubs and the Automobile Association should unite in promoting a jnoneter demonstration on some public holiday, the demonstration to take the form of a procession of cyoliets and motor-cars through the city and suburbs. The demonstration might conclude with sports at the Show Grounds, or elsewhere, at which prizes might be giver, for the best decorated bicycles, etc. I don't think there would be the slightest difficulty in raising a considerable isupn of money 1 for the purchase of prizes, and I feel sure that if such a demonstration were made, it would bring home very forcibly to candidates for municipal honours the fact that the interests of cyclists and automobilists cannot be lightly disregarded; indeed, after such a demonstration no Mayor or councillor would dare to fail to recognise them and their wants. It might also prove a very valauable object lesson to the Tramway Board.—Yours, etc., T. N. HORSLEY.