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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XXV, 19 December 1896, Page 198

An electric spur for the protection of wheelmen from annoying dogs is the latest bicycle accessory upon which letters patent have been granted. Cyclers have often sought in vain for some relief from the yelping, snapping dog nuisance, which has often inflicted severe injury to wheelmen and women who were leisurely riding through some pleasant country lane or quiet village street. It has often been remarked that the man who would invent some scheme to protect riders would confer a blessing upon wheeling humanity. Such a boon has now come, and it is the simplest thing imaginable, and at the same time most effectual in its results. It is nothing but a tiny electric light which is strapped to the heel in much the same fashion as a spur and is the invention of Ignaz Capelie. Once let a vicious dog get near enough and a sudden pressure on a button connecting by wire with the light turns a flash of brilliant electric light full into the dog’s eyes. The sudden flashing of the light never fails to put the surprised animal to retreat, and now wheelmen are wondering why the thing was never thought of before. The wire by which the light is operated runs from the light along the pedal bar to a small battery attached to any convenient part of the framework of the machine. Another wire runs up along the handle-bar and ends at a button usually placed beside the bell. The light is protected from possible breakage by a light metal frame of open work, which in no way dims its brilliancy.