Sir,—The decision come to by Erina Shire Council in refusing permission to the Gosford Club to run road races in the Shire area came as a bombshell to me and others interested in the sport of cycling.

I am simply dumbfounded at the Council's action in giving the whole bag. Had the Council given permission to race outside a certain radius there would have been dispute though, but to cut racing right out is the death knell of cycling in the district.

As far as my knowledge goes, there is not one town in the Commonwealth where bicycle road racing is prohibited altogether, and most cities and towns, such as Sydney, Newcastle, Parramatta, Goulburn, Maitland, Lithgow, Moreland, Cessnock and many other towns give every encouragement to road racing, both from a business point of view and a desire sport and pastime.

The danger of cycle racing is infinitesimal compared to that of motor cars. A "star" bike rider at his limit can only do 30 miles an hour, whereas a car can often fly from 35 to 45 miles, which is a danger to the community. Most accidents occurring on the roads nowadays are due to motor cars, but for a person to be knocked down by a racing cyclist is very rare; so why take exception to the poor old push-bike?

It is the wish of 99 in every 100 people of Gosford and district to see the Gosford Cycle Club carry on and be an asset to the town, and not be wiped out of existence. The Club to-day is in a strong position, both financially and otherwise, and the road racing has become very popular with the people of Gosford and district. It seems unbelievable that it was the Council's intention to wipe the Gosford Cycle Club out of existence, for that is really what it means.

In my opinion, it is an unprecedented action taken by one Council in the Commonwealth. Road racing is splendid exercise and good for the development of a rider, and is conducive to good health. So why crush a good, healthy sport? Our road racing refers to Saturday afternoons; there has not been one single accident on the part of a rider, or a hold-up of traffic! This is not as people exist! by the officials of the Club, who's opinion is taken in view of the big events scheduled to witness the Goulburn-Sydney race during the past 20 years.

It has been admitted to a large extent by Australian cyclists who have been racing in America and Europe. Our cycling champions all spring from first racing in country road races. Who knows, this district may be able to produce champions if allowed to continue racing, and riders should be given every encouragement and not completely crushed. In my opinion to prohibit road racing in the whole of the Shire seems poor sportsmanship, and has a tendency to dampen sport in all quarters, which in itself would be a detriment to the business community. I state, without fear of contradiction, that bicycle road racing is one of the safest sports, as the average rider always has complete control of his machine, and if anything does happen, it is usually the cyclist himself who comes to grief. The rider takes the risk the same as any competitor would in any branch of sport.

Two big races from Goulburn to Sydney (130 miles) take place about the 19th September, one for amateurs and the other for professionals, the amateurs usually starting one hour before the pro's. On that day there are at least 150 competitors on the road at the one time, and they have to pass through big towns of Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong, Picton, Campbelltown, Liverpool. Permission to race has never been refused since its inception over twenty years ago. There are also thousands of people out up to witness the finish of these big races, and the traffic on the main southern road is very much greater than it is in Gosford. At the same time there is seldom an accident caused through a cyclist competitor.

The big open road race on August 7th was being looked forward to by cyclists all over N.S.W., and riders from all parts were coming here. If this race is cancelled, Gosford and district will lose to a great extent, both from a business and publicity point of view. The publicity Gosford would get in itself would be worth hundreds of pounds to the district. It was my intention to advertise Gosford in connection with this race in every town in N.S.W.; also in the other States.

Members of the League in the metropolitan area are also very anxious to come to Gosford and race, so it will be a thousand pities if the race does not come off. In running this big race, at least 12 officials from Sydney would be assisting, and we rope off both sides of the road to prevent accidents. So where the danger to traffic comes in I fail to see. The Club's Saturday afternoon racing should be allowed to continue, as racing for the "Rowe" Cup is only half through, and just where we now stand is very hard to say.

I would suggest to the Council (if they thought fit to rescind their previous resolution) that all road racing in future would start and finish from the southern side of the railway, where the traffic is very limited. I sincerely hope the Council will reverse their decision.

The prize money for the big race on August 7th was practically as good as money in bank, including trophies, to just on fifty pounds. Woy Woy has the sympathy of the Gosford Club, as it is in the same boat as ourselves. Woy Woy's big race of 50 miles was set down for 24th July.

I anticipate that Club will move in the matter, as it cannot possibly take the position as it now stands. The Gosford Club intended racing at Woy Woy on July 1st, and the Woy Woy Club were racing in Gosford on 31st July. I sincerely hope the restriction on road racing will be set down to a minimum, and racing allowed to continue, both in the interests of the local cycle traders and the Club riders in particular, who have spent in purchasing new bikes over £250.

These riders at least should receive some consideration. It has been very hard work on my part to build the Gosford Cycle Club up to its present standard, and the success the Club has achieved, we have to try but no success. I ask advisers for the advancement of Gosford and District should support the Club. I trust Cr. Moillse will take this matter up and endeavor to assist in the rescission of the Council's former resolution.—Yours, &c.,

JOE DAVIS, President, Gosford Cycle Club.