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City of Kalamazoo Rules of Bicycle Ordinance Pamphlet

 Item — Folder: 1
Identifier: RH-A-4347

Scope and Contents

The collection is composed of one pamphlet from the City of Kalamazoo dating from 1935 to 1939 titled “Rules of Bicycle Ordinance.”

The ordinance outlines “Ten Don’ts” that bicycle riders are to adhere to, including restrictions on riding at night without lights and weaving in and out of traffic. The ordinance also details the prices for a bicycle license and exchanging bicycle ownership along with a map designating which sidewalks cyclists are unallowed to ride on.

Dates

  • Creation: 1935-1939

Biographical / Historical

The Kalamazoo City Bicycle Ordinance was adopted in 1935. The ordinance was met with opposition from many cyclists and Kalamazoo residents who felt the ordinance would be difficult to enforce and would primarily target juveniles. According to the pamphlet, the ordinance “was adopted to promote safety for bicycle riders” and passed through the City Commission with a 7-0 vote. Commissioners and local Police Officers believed the registration guidelines in the ordinance would deter thieves. The ordinance has been amended multiple times since its initial passage.

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This item was purchased with the Starring Endowment.

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of one pamphlet, dated from 1935 to 1939, titled “Rules of Bicycle Ordinance.” The pamphlet measures 6 1/8” x 3 ½”. The pamphlet was produced by Dalm Printing Co. in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The pamphlet contains 12 pages detailing the Bicycle Ordinance of Kalamazoo. This includes information regarding local laws pertaining to bicycles and license fees. The pamphlet has a green, textured paper cover with black text. The pamphlet contains white pages printed with black ink. Two pages contain photos and one page contains a map.

The pamphlet is in good condition. The front and back covers are crinkled, and their edges are discolored. The pages within the pamphlet are also crinkled, and some pages show light discoloration. The staples are rusted and some pages (primarily pages 6 and 7) have rust stains.

Title
City of Kalamazoo Rules of Bicycle Ordinance Pamphlet finding aid
Status
Completed
Author
Bailey Miller; Stephanie Chapman
Date
2023-08-15
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490