Tikumu’s letter

Press, 28 April 1981, Page 14

Tikumu’s letter

De® Deaths Bicycles have come a long way since the comicallooking “penny farthing” appeared in Britain a little more than 100 years ago. With a huge front wheel and a tiny one behind, the seat was fixed high up not far from the handle bars attached by long bars to the centre of the big wheel. If getting on was tricky, staying in the saddle was even more so. A small bump could send the rider hurtling over the handle bars, and he had quite a long way to fall. But designs improved and cycling soon became a popular pastime, as well as being a quick and convenient way

of moving from place to place. Its popularity has not lessened although conditions have, changed. Modern bicycles have to share the roads with motor cars and other types of heavy vehicle. Nowadays road safety is everybody’s business because we all use the roads in one way or another whether walking, riding or driving. A bicycle, like a car, has to be kept fit for the job it has to do. Make sure all the parts are working properly — handlebars, brakes, chain, tyres and so on. Oil and clean your bicycle from time to time to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Road signs have a special message for road users. It is a good idea to learn the different shapes and colours

because then you will be able to recognise them before you are close enough to read the words, and most important of all you need to understand what the sign means. Signals are your way of telling other road users what you are going to do, but before you make one look behind to see that you have road space to do what you plan. If you do not, give a “stop” signal and wait. Traffic laws are things we all have to learn. In the coming months road users will need to be even more careful than usual because of the pale light, fog, rain and icy road surfaces of winter. uikui/mi