Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 August 1898 — CYCLING ABROAD. [ARTICLE]

CYCLING ABROAD.

Restrictions Which Annoy Americana in Europe. Heavy Duties Levied Ipon Wheel* and Taxea Exacted in the Vnrlon« Countries—Some Tedious Formalities. Americans who propose to take bicycle tours through Europe during the present summer will do well to acquaint themselves with the rules which the various European countries hqve laid down in regard to foreign cyclers. To be taken unawares or to /be capght napping, especially in a foreign country, is very unpleasant, and therefore travelers who are wise will carefully study the following rules before they cross the Atlantic. The duty on cycles brought into France is $48.25 on every 222 pounds—about 25 cents per pound, dead weight. This duty must be paid on cycles imported for sale, and the same amount may be required as a deposit from any American who lands in France with a cycle, even though his sol%intention is to tour the country on his wheel. It seems, however, that this deposit is only required in exceptional cases and when the authorities have reason to suspect that foreign cyclists are not bona ] fide tourists. When the deposit is made : a lead seal is attached to the cycle with ’ the custom house mark stamped on it. I The tourist can leave the country by; any frontier, and as soon as he crosses French territory the deposit is returned ■to 'him. ; There is in France an annual tax of ■ two dollars on each cycle, but this is 1 ■ only collected from residents and not from tourists. The revenue from this -.tav, which in 1896 amounted to 1,600,OOOf., is spent on improving the public highways. Anyone touring through France will have to observe the following ministerial decree: ’ ”Each wheel must be provided with a •gong or bell capable of being heard at a distance of 50 yards. A plate, bearing the name and address of the owner, must be attached to cycle. Lanterns must be lighted at sundown. “Cyclist must take the right on meeting a. vehicle and, when passing one, must take the left, decreasing speed and sounding the bell. , "Jn crowded thoroughfares the cyclist must dismount and lead his wheel. “Cyclists are forbidden to form groups, bo as to obstruct the public ways, or to pass through funetal corteges or military processions. forbidden to cycle on pavements and footpaths .reserved for pedestrians, -except in ,the country where the roads are paved or being mended. In cases where it is permitted to cycle on the footpaths the cyclist must moderate his speed .when meeting pedestrians." All French railroads are required to carry cycles as buggage, and are held responsible for any damage, the amount of indemnity varying according to whether the cyclist is traveling first,

second or third class. In Germany the duty on cycles is about three cents per pound. Tourists, I however, are entirely unrestricted, and need not pay any deposit. In Austria there is a duty of $12.06 on •every cycle imported for sale. Each tourist, too, must deposit ten dollars at | the custom house and make an affidavit that his wheel is not for sale, and that ’ he does not intend to becbme a resident of the country. When his tour is over he gets back the deposit. In Belgium the duty is 12 par cent, ad valorem, and tourists are required to deposit a sum equivalent to that amount, which is refunded when they leave the country. In Denmark the duty is ten per cent, ad valorem, and tourists must make a deposit equal to that amount as a guarantee that their wheels are not for sale. This deposit is refunded only at the custom house where the entry was made, unless a special permit is granted allowing the cyclist to obtain the deposit through another customs bureau. In Egypt the duty is eight per cent, ad valorem, and the same formality is observed' as in Denmark. Cyclists should be sure to get a receipt for the money deposited, of Which only seven per cent, will be refunded. There is no duty in England. In Greece the duty is two dollars ou each cycle, and tourists are required to pay a deposit of two dollars and an octroi duty of 40 cents. The latter is refunded, but of the two dollars, one dollar is retained “for expense,” and even more may be retained if the cyclist does not leave the country by the same custom house.

In Italy the duty is sß.ll, and tourists are required to deposit this amount, which is refunded when they leave the country. No deposit, however, need be made by members of the Touring Club de France. * The duty in Spain is $13.62 per 222 pounds—about six cents per pound. A temporary' pass of six months' duration is given to each tourist, and for this 20 cents is charged. A deposit equivalent to the amount of duty must also be made, and this will be duly refunded. There are many tedious formalities in connection with the importation of cycles into Spain, and tourists whodonot care to waste time will do well to obtain the services of a commissionaire on the frontier, or of an international custom house broker nt either of the frontier towns. Hendaye or Cerbere. Much trouble will be saved in this way; moreover, if a mistake is made in the declaration the amount of duty will be forfeited and a fine Imposed.—St. Louis Globe-Democrat.