Cycling Etiquette
The first essential in cycling is a perfect wheel, safe, easy running, with
saddle built high and wide in the back, sloping away and downward in the front, and fitted
out with a clock, a bell, a luggage carrier, and if the rider cares for records, a
cyclometer.
A lady can be as reserved upon a wheel as in her parlor. No lady will
permit a stranger to accost her, even if she is riding alone, unless an accident or mishap
to herself or wheel occurs, and then a true gentleman may offer his assistance, which may
be accepted or not, without misconstruction or familiarity.
The etiquette to be observed in cycling is to be civil to all; assist the
timid, and do not mock or laugh at awkwardness. If you have an appointment to ride with a
lady, be punctual, and accomodate your pace to hers. A good rule to be observed in this
respect is to never go faster than you find it possible, and breathe through the nostrils.
The moment you are inclined to open your mouth you may know that you are over-exerting
yourself.
Reagrding a lady's costume for the wheel, bloomers havebeen proven so
inartistic, so ugly, and so "loud" that few ladies can be induced to wear them.
The most quiet costume, consisting of a skirt, two- thirds from the knee to the sole of
the foot, a jacket, either tight-fitting or blouse, makes a modest outfit. The boots
should be high or leather leggings should be adopted. Never wear low shoes on the wheel.
An invitation to ride on the wheel needs no formality, and may always be
verbal. have an ammonia gun with you, for the benefit of barking dogs who are bent on
running in front of you. Don't wear a yachting cap, chew gum, or bend your back over the
handlebars. Either of these things is far from lady-like.
The gentleman who accompanies ladies must be ever watchful to assist his
companions in every way. he should be capable of repairing any trifling injury to their
machines which may occur on the route, and be at all times provided with the proper tools
for doing so. His place on the road is at her left, that he may the more carefully guard
her when meeting other cyclers, teams, etc., he risking all dangers from collisions.
Proper mounting- The gentleman accompanying the lady holds her wheel; she
stands at the left, places her right foot across the frame to the right pedal, which at
the same time must be raised; pushing this pedal causes the machine to start, and then
with the left foot in place she starts ahead very slowly, in order to give her companion
time to mount his wheel and join her. When their destination is reached the gentleman
dismounts first and appears at his companion's side to assist her, but if she be a true
American woman, she will help herself as much as possible.
Dismounting- To dismount in the most graceful form one should gradually
slacken speed, and when the left pedal is on the rise throw the weight of the body upon
it, cross the right foot over the frame of the machine, and with an assissting hand step
with a light spring to the ground. In meeting a party of cyclists who are acquaintances
and desire to stop for a little conversation the gentlemen of the party dismount and
sustain the ladies' wheels, the latter retaining their position in the saddle.
Some reminders-
Don't try to raise your hat to a lady passing you until you are an expert
on your wheel.
Don't wear a red or gay-colored cap, under the impression that it is
stylish.
Don't neglect to turn to the right in passing another wheel or a vehicle.
Don't ride fast down a steep hill with a curve at its foot.
Don't ride fifteen miles at a scorching pace, and then drink copiously of
water and lie down on the grass.
Don't carry your bicycle down stairs under your arm. Your shoulder is
better adapted to it.
Don't leave your wheel in a dark hall for other people to fall over. |
