PILLION RIDING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18104, 31 May 1922, Page 10

PILLION RIDING.

PROHIBITION IN OTAHUHU.

UNSUCCESSFUL PROTEST.

A deputation from tho Otahuhu MotorCycl'e Club waited upon the Otahuhu Borough Council at its last meeting to protest against tho council's new by-law prohibiting pillion riding on motor-cycles within the confines of tho borough.

Hie deputation contended that pillion riding did not incur danger, that no accidents wero traceable to it, and that the by-law would eauae undue hardship on motor-cyclists. The council maintained that pillion riding was unsafe, and that passengers riding pillion fashion might lose their hold on the motor-cycle, causing them to grasp the rider's arms and so endanger h;8 control of the machine- It was pointed out that as tho Auckland City Council found a similar by-law necessary Otahuhu would be wise in following suit. Ona member of the council said that, if an intending passenger so desired. It would entail no hardship for him to walk to the borough boundary befora being taken for a ride on the back of a motor-cycle. Another member remarked that there was too much "joy riding" on the district's roads and tliat it should be stopped. The council decided that it would not entertain the deputation's suggestion for tho repeal of the by-lsw, which was confirmed later in the evening. Beferring to the council's decision, Auckland motor-cyclists asserted that tho possibility of an accident occurring from pillion riding was r' .iOte. Tt was practica'ly impossible for a passenger who had lost his hold on the machine to grasp the rider's arms, as he would fall off the machine before he had time to recover his balance. Tlie by-law was considered unreasonable in a country district such as Otahuhu, which could not be compared with the crowded streets of a city. In England, it was stated, pillion riding was probably even more customary than side-car riding, and only in the cities and crowded centres was it prohibited. As it is understood that the operation of the new by-law 5b being watched by other 'oca! bod'es, it is proposed to call a public meeting of motor-cyclists in Auckland shortly to consider the position.