BICYCLING RULES.
Section 1.—The time named for a club excursion is the exact time of the start, which will in all cases be punctually observed. Members are therefore urgently requested to be at the spot named at least ten minutes before, that they may arrange themselves in order for the start and receive the instructions of the leader as regards signals, and any other directions that may be necessary.
Sec. 2.—At the sound of "Fall in," the members will arrange themselves side by side upon the right of the road, with bicycle facing inward, leaving a space of at least eight feet between each man. At the sound of "Mount," the machines will be turned in the direction of the proposed run, and the company will mount, beginning at the front, each man before he starts, being careful to see that the rider immediately in front of him has safely reached the saddle, and proceeded at least two revolutions.
Sec. 3.—As a general rule the company should ride two abreast; but in towns and villages; in meeting and passing vehicles (unless the road is broad); in riding up and down hills, and where the road is bad and requires picking, single file should be taken, the right-hand man always quickening, and the left-hand man dropping in behind him.
Sec. 4.—When in single-file, an interval of at least four bicycle lengths should be kept between each rider, and in double-file, eight lengths between each pair. In approaching a hill, whether up or down, the leading files should quicken and the rear files slacken, so as to allow of the company extending out to double distance, and on reaching the level they should slacken and quicken respectively, until the original interval is attained.
Sec. 5.—Dismounting should always be commenced from the rear, each man passing the word forward as he reaches the ground.
Sec. 6.—It is undesirable for a company to ride down a long hill with a curve obstructing a view of the bottom. It is better for the leader to advance alone until he sees that all is clear, and then whistle the others on.
Sec. 7.—The ordinary rules of the road as regards the passing of vehicles, etc., should be rigidly adhered to, as follows:
A—In meeting a vehicle, always pass to the right.
B—In overtaking a vehicle, always pass to the left.
C—The ground in front of a horse should not be taken until the bicyclist is at least ten yards ahead of him.
D—A horse should never be passed on both sides at once.
E—A led horse should always be passed on the same side as the man who is leading it.
F—Before overtaking a rider, it is well to give some sort of a warning. When alone, a short cough will generally suffice. In company-riding, a word to your companion will attract the necessary attention. The mere sound of a human voice is often all that is wanted to prevent a horse from starting at the sudden passage of the noiseless machine.
G—If a horse on meeting a bicycle, shows signs of restiveness, the leader should order a dismount at his discretion (even if he himself has passed the horse), and should invariably do so on any signal or request from the driver or horseman.
H—In company-riding, the leader, on passing any one (whether driving, riding or walking,) should announce that others are following close after, and the rear man should in the same way signify that all have passed.
I—Inattention to these and other rules and courtesies of the road will cause annoyance to the public, and create prejudice against bicycling.