e2e.bike

Cycling adventures across Britain and beyond

Menu
  • End to Ends
    • Britain
    • Ireland
    • France
    • Belgium
    • Spain
    • Poland
    • Slovakia
    • Isle of Man
    • Faroes
    • Cuba
    • Sri Lanka
    • Taiwan
  • Coast to Coasts
  • Yorkshire Ridings
  • Others
  • Writings
Menu

Cycling etiquette, 1895

Debretts, the authority on etiquette and manners, published a book about how to drive politely.

We don’t know what it says about shouting at cyclists, because we can’t afford it. However, it inspired us to look back through the e2e.bike archives to 1895.

This is probably what we would have said about cycling etiquette then. It shows just how far society has declined in the last century and a bit.

• Should a Hackney-carriage or omnibus driver use the road inconsiderately, hold your temper. You may think he is ‘a d— fool’, but to say so, even sotto voce, is most uncouth.

• If out sketching watercolours, you may be approached a policeman enquiring after your activities. Be co-operative; he is only doing his job. By ensuring that you are not an anarchist, foreigner or other criminal, he is protecting the safety of the Empire.

• Correct clothing should be worn in case of an accident. A green Devonshire jacket, cap with stiff peak, boots of good quality, and soft necktie are recommended. A magistrate will take a dim view of a cyclist who is ‘scruffily dressed’.

• Do not over-indulge in alcohol when riding. Six or seven pints of stout or porter, and no more than one bottle of good brandy or port wine, is a perfectly adequate amount.

• Do not smoke cigarettes while riding. It is most improper. Tobacco should be enjoyed at a rest stop, when cigars are recommended.

• Married women should not cycle. Single ladies may do so, but must ride side saddle. Skirts, not ‘Bloomers’ or ‘rational dress’, must be worn.

• Do not shout at, or behave impatiently with, other road users, unless you are reliably informed that they are of a lower class.

• When cycling abroad, treat its inhabitants with politeness and civility, however disagreeable their customs and manners may appear. Remember, it is through no fault of their own that they are inferior.

You are here

e2e.bike > Writings > Fun stuff > Cycling etiquette, 1895

Random Posts

  • Britain 7: Castlebay to Tiree20 May 2010
    The good news is today that there was no wind. The bad …
  • Barkston Ash: Tree cheers for the centre of Yorkshire20 March 2021
    Barkston Ash’s ash tree is the centre of Yorkshire. Sort of. The …
  • Cuba 30: Viñales28 April 2015
    With the End to End done, but two weeks left before my …

Recent Posts

  • (Belgium 7: St Vith to Spa) 18 May 2022
  • Belgium 6: Sankt Vith to Krewinkel 17 May 2022
  • Belgium 5: Liège to Sankt Vith 16 May 2022

Search e2e.bike

Find me

        
Facebook • Twitter • Linked In • Email
© 2022 e2e.bike | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme