THE CYCLE BOARDS SCHEME

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 74, 25 September 1900, Page 5

THE C YCLE B OARDS S CHEME

The Cycle Boards Bill, which has ( been promoted this session by an Auckland league, and of which we gave a 'resume a few weeks ago, will come up for discussion at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Cyclists* Touring Club to be held on Wednesday evening. The passage of this Bill through Parliament is being actively opposed by the Cyclists' Touring Club, chiefly on account of the principle of special taxation which it embodies. This principle is considered unnecessary and objectionable, and has been steadfastly resisted, hitherto successfully, by the Cyclists' Touring Club of Great Britain, the National Cyclists' Union, and similar bodies throughout the world, although in America a system is adopted of issuing licenses for the use of specially constructed cycle paths on payment of a small fee. The Bill .now before Parliament, it is pointed out, provides for the establishment of a new set of local bodies with the attendant staff of officials and tax-gatherers, while the most plausible excuse which is urged for its introduction does not appear to be sufficiently provided for. It is asserted that all revenue from the tax upon cycles, after providing for cost of administration, may be 'devoted to the construction of cycle paths and road improvements within the cycle district, but as no work can be carried out unless by arrangement and with the consent of the local bodies interested, it is considered hardly i likely that any special or permanent advantages are to be derived, even if the funds derivable from the tax .were sufficient for the construction and maintenance of such works as exclusive cycle tracks. A correspondent points tout that it is proposed by the Cycle Boards Bill now before Parliament to give officers •of the Boards power to distrain upon any bicycle for which a tax of five shillings has not been paid within one month. This, he remarks, will be rather rough upon heads of families whose young people are wearing out the old machines, while perfecting their knowledge of cycling.

[BY. TELEGRAPH — PKESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 24th September. At a meeting of the City Co,uncil tonight, the Bylaws Committee . reported on tne Cycle Boards Bill. The committee failed to see how it would be possible to give up a space of 4ft -for the absolute use of cyclists to the exclusion of all other vehicles, and could not therefore recommend the adoption of the Bill if made law.