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Bicyclists of Pittsford hoped that the Village Board would repeal
or amend the Ordinance prohibiting the riding of bicycles or tricycles
of any kind on the sidewalks of the Village.
In the newspaper on June 21st, 1894, we learn that
7 young "wheelmen" were arrested for riding their bikes on the sidewalks
of the village. They were arraigned before Judge Charles True and
pleaded not guilty. The defendants retained John N. Steele as counsel.
On the same day, we find that the Unlucky 7 had been discharged by
the court since the jury did not feel that the complainants had established
their case.
On the 26th of June, 1894, we find that the Village Board had amended
their bicycle ordinance in a way it was felt would be beneficial
to the cyclists and would still protect the pedestrians. The new
Ordinance stated 'No person riding a bicycle shall approach within
ten feet of a person walking or standing upon a walk or street or
pass such person without dismounting or leaving the walk except upon
the permission of such person, under a penalty of from $1.00 to $5.00
for each offense. The penalty for striking {or running into) a person
would be from $5.00 to $25.00.'
Since the sidewalks of the Village
were not overcrowded, it was felt that observance of the ordinance
would not be difficult.
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