PILLION RIDING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19727, 29 August 1927, Page 12

PILLION RIDING

Sir, —It is almost incredible that the City Council should continue to use a bylaw such as that prohibiting pillion riding when there is no longer any use for it Undoubtedly, when the by-law was framed there was some real need for it, but now, when the modern motor-cycle has attained such a pitch of perfection, it is grossly unfair to hundreds of people to prohihit them taking part in a great and enjoyable sport, which has become not only one of the safest, but the cheapest, means of transit for working people. As regards to the safety of these machines, the council has only to refer to the figures of any place where pillion riding is allowed, and it will be found that the number of accidents in which motor-cycles are concerned are far less in proportion than those where motor-cars are concerned, and the number of people knocked down and killed is practically nil anywhere. Can one say the same thing of automobiles ? Pillion riding is permitted in England, most Continental eities. the United States, Canada, Australia, and, lastly, in most of oar souther* centres, including our capital city." Providing that the passenger is" compelled to have footrests, and have a fixed rail to hang on to, also a fixed spring saddle, and ride astride the machine, why can it not be given a trial, anyhow? Does it not seem ridiculous that the City Council should consider the traffic conditions in Auckland to be such as to make the practice of pillion riding dangerous to life and limb, when it is permitted in London ? Duet.