MOTORING NEWS - By the 1870s, cyclists were venturing out into the English countryside and meeting great hostility from horsemen and wagon-drivers.
Although there are shadows of this prejudice found on the road even today, cyclists should take comfort that it has improved.
There is anecdotal evidence that one coach guard had an iron ball on the end of a rope with which he would knock cyclists off their machines.
The same problems were seen in towns where scant heed was paid to the safety of cyclists by wagon and coach drivers.
To protect themselves, and also to encourage cycling, the touring club was formed (it became the Cyclists Touring Club of CTC in 1887).
The organisation campaigned vigorously for the rights of cyclists, with some success.
They were the first to put up warning signs for hills and dangerous bends.
Since that time the CTC has been deeply involved in anything to do with cycling, and like the Pedestrians' Association have developed arguments that challenge the primacy accorded to the motor vehicle.
It was closely involved in the post-war road safety movement, helping to develop cycle training and being represented on many of the road safety committees.
1897 - THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB
Like cyclists, early motorists were subject to hostile attention from horse riders, local authorities and the police.
They also formed associations to fight for their rights and to provide services for their members.
The Automobile Club (AC) later became the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and has been closely involved over the years in driver and motorcyclist training, and with the voluntary registration of driving instructors.
1903 - MOTOR CAR ACT
This Act introduced driving licences, compulsory registration number plates and raised the 12mph speed limit set in 1896 to 20mph, although local authorities could apply for a 10mph limit in certain towns.
An example of the earliest licences.
This year also saw the first use of windscreens. These were made of ordinary glass and inflicted serious injuries in accidents.
France introduced standard traffic signs in this year.
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