BICYCLING ON BOWEN ROAD (1898)

A chance find in: The Hong Kong Weekly Press, 1898-02-19

In Bowen Road Hongkong possesses a promenade of which it is justly proud. The bicyclist, however, has made his appearance upon it and there appears some danger of the comfort and pleasure of pedestrians being largely interfered with. Indeed, already some ladies have been deterred by this cause from using the road, according to the statement made by a correspondent whose letter appears in another column. Two questions present themselves in this connection: 

(1) Should the road be used at all for bicycling, and (2) If so should not the bicyclist be subjected to regulations that would prevent his interfering unduly with the comfort of others? Something may be urged, perhaps, on the side of the bicyclist. The pastime is becoming increasingly popular with both sexes and those who indulge in it bid fair in a short time to outnumber those who do not. Should not their interests be considered as -well as those of pedestrians? But unfortunately, Bowen Road, which affords such a delightful "spin" for the bicyclist when it is clear, is so narrow that if a few pedestrians or chairs and bicycles happen to meet danger must arise. Of course there are bicyclists and bicyclists, some who know how to manage their machines and are also considerate of the rights and comfort of others, and some who are inexpert or who think it adds to their enjoyment to give pedestrians a start by rushing past them at a rapid rate. As the matter stands at present the bicyclist is subject to no control at all. It is true that wheeled vehicles are not allowed on Bowen Road; but legally a bicycle is not a vehicle; consequently bicycles are not prohibited. The flying of kites, however, is prohibited, and we think it will be generally admitted that to the pedestrian a bicycle must be a greater source of danger and annoyance than a kite would be. If the use of bicycles on Bowen Road is not prohibited altogether, regulations ought at least to be made requiring them to proceed at a moderate pace and to carry lights after sundown. Regulations are indeed required for bicycling in general, but there ought to be special regulations in regard to Bowen Road.