THE FUTURE OF BICYCLING.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3664, 12 April 1883, Page 4

THE FUTURE OF BICYCLING.

Not many years ago the world was inclined to be a little sceptical as to the future of the bicycle, says the Pall Mall Budget. After maiiy struggles, bicycling has, however, fought its way to a front rank among the amusements of the day. Ample proof of this is furnished by the collection of bicycles and tricyles to be seen at the exhibition of the Stanley Bicycle Club, now being held at the Albert Hsll. Here are •'machines" of many patterns by many makers, stands containing elaborate " fittings," and many fashioned saddles, key bugles, lamps, bells, and the thousand other pretty fancies, upon all of which a vast amount of ingenuity, thought and taste have been bestowed to supply the increasing demands of the "cyclist." The tricycle seems to have become a formidable rival to the older machine, and the growth of its popularity since last year has been enormous. In country districts the village parson is beginning to visit his parishioners on a tricycle, the doctor follows his example, and a tricycle vote will soon figure in the Post Office Estimates for tho convenience of rural postmen. A tricycle for Indian use, a very tempting vehicle in appearance, is exhibited. The passengers sit in front, shaded from the sun by a large awning, leaving the hard work to be performed by servants who sit behind. Tndecd, there are sonic enthusiastic tricyclists in India, though the natives are said to be under the impression that to be run over by a bicycle is a quick and painless death. There the children arc equally of the same opinion, and besides these little " anuoyauces," deaf dogs, and aged cripples, lively pigs, blind beggers, wandering cattle add greatly to flic sport. Bells and bugles are said to be quite useless.