Friday March 13 is Ride2School Day and it’s Australia’s largest celebration of active travel to school. Bicycles have been in the past, and are still today, one of the most popular means of transport for children and adults alike.
Bicycles have come a long way since the “Boneshaker” of the 1800s and the “Penny Farthing” of the 1870s.
In 1936, the Nambour Chronicle reported new regulations governing a bicycle rider’s actions due to the increased number of bicycles on the road. A rider should always regulate his speed according to the traffic conditions, have affixed to their machines an efficient bell or alarm and an efficient brake, a lighted lamp attached to the front of the bicycle and a red reflector fitted. It was also an offence to carry a passenger on your bicycle and to ride with only one foot on the pedals. When stopped at an intersection you must dismount from the machine.
It was also suggested that a white handkerchief be pinned to the back of your coat when cycling on country roads at night. It was claimed that this was particularly useful when riding home from the pictures.
Enjoy and be safe on Ride2School Day.
Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council’s Heritage Library staff for the words and Picture Sunshine Coast for the images.
