The DC Bicycle Police Corps in 1903

Here's something different. It's a 1903 Report of the commissioners of the District of Columbia to Congress, many parts of which deal with police use of bicycles and bicycle law.

Relevant parts include:

• On changes in the law: Ordered that section 4 of article 10 of the police regulations is hereby amended by inserting after the word ''bell," in line 6, the words "(or, in the case of motor vehicles, a suitable horn)," so that the section will be as follows: "Sec. 4. Sleighs and other vehicles on runners shall have bells so attached thereto, or to the animals drawing the same, as to sound when such vehicle is in motion; motor carriages and all cycles, bicycles, tricycles, and carts for the collection of ashes and combustible waste shall have at' all times a suitable gong or bell (or, in the case of motor vehicles, a suitable horn), sufficiently distinctive from the bell provided for the fire department and ambulance service, so attached as to be readily sounded for the purpose of warning persons of their approach; and all cycles, bicycles, tricyles, and motor vehicles in motion between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise shall display suitable lights."
• On stopping bike theft: Undivided attention is given the pawnshops, second-hand stores, and junk dealers by another detail. Morning reports are required to be handed in by those engaged in these lines of business, including descriptions of property pawned or sold, of persons disposing of the same, and other data. The reports of losses, by theft and otherwise, are closely compared therewith, and considerable property is recovered in this manner. Diligent search and studv are often required in identifying bicycles, a thief not infrequently interchanging the parts of several wheels.
• On why police sergeants are needed on bicycle: it has been found advisable to exercise a direct supervision over the 60 privates employed on bicycles, who, owing to their advantages in riding a bicycle, could not receive direct and constant attention from the sergeants on foot. Were it otherwise the bicycle service would be less satisfactory and would not conform to the requirements and expectations of the department.
• On pay for bicycle police: While engaged in making arrests bicycle officers of this department have suffered loss through their bicycles being demolished, and as the risk is constant and not due to ordinary wear and tear, I have to recommend that the allowance to bicycle sergeants and privates be increased to $50 per year each, the amount paid up to a year ago, when it was reduced to $40 per annum.
• On catching speeding drivers: In Washington, where the paved thoroghfares are so extensively patronised by pedestrians, the difficulties attending education to the presence of motor vehicles are numerous. It has always been contended by this department that business wagons and fast-running vehicles should each be specificallv designated for ready identification, and that members of the police bicycle force should be equipped with the most recently improved tachometers. Through the earnest and intelligent action of the honorable Commissioners, regulations have been enacted which have stood the legal test in the courts, whereby motor vehicles are required to be lighted at night, to be numbered at all times, and to be locked when not in use. To more effectually aid in the enforcement of these regulations, as well as those relating to speed, 36 of the bicycle privates have had speedometers attached to their wheels, which has caused general compliance. This is especially true of the city section of the District, where the improved thoroughfares are so inviting for speeding. Prior to the adoption of the regulations pertaining to numbering, [the bicycle corps made 5054 arrests and issued 24,113 fines*]
• On bike theft: In 1903, there were 743 stolen bikes recovered, up from 706 the year before.* At the bathing beach "There were three bicycles stolen early in the season, from those loosely scattered on the ground unlocked. I understand that all of these were recovered by the police department. One arrest for stealing wheels stopped it."
• There is a bit in there about the opening of the Carnegie Libarary at Mt. Vernon square, which included in the basement a bicycle room and a hall in the central building for bicycles. 

*How do these numbers stack up compared to today?

Comments

[oboe]

To more effectually aid in the enforcement of these regulations, as well as those relating to speed, 36 of the bicycle privates have had speedometers attached to their wheels, which has caused general compliance. This is especially true of the city section of the District, where the improved thoroughfares are so inviting for speeding.

Wow. I wonder what the city speed limit was at this time.

[JimT]

At the bathing beach "There were three bicycles stolen early in the season I don't lock my bike (or wear a helmet) when I bike to the beach, but where was this bathing beach?

[me]

Used to be a beach in Arlington.