Hertfordshire Genealogy: The Road Through Harpenden: The Coming of the Bicycle

Bicycle Accident. - Mr F W Kinneir Tarte, when riding his bicycle (an ordinary) in St Peter's-street on Friday, suffered a peculiar accident. A wagonette went over a large stone and the pressure forced the stone across the road in a direct line with Mr Tarte's machine. He was unable to avoid riding over it, and the stone again "skidding" the bicycle came to the ground with a jerk, loosening the spokes, breaking off the handle, and throwing the rider. Mr Tarte's left arm and shoulder were bruised, the former being still in bandages, and he was considerably shaken.

Bicycle Accident. - On Sunday afternoon, as Joseph Lightfoot, of Hill-street, a milkman, in the employ of Mr. J. Reynolds, of Heath Farm, was proceeding homeward down Verulam-road on a bicycle, the seat accidentally slipped, and the unfortunate man in attempting to save himself jumped from the machine and in doing so fell heavily on it. He was at once removed to his house but it was afterwards found necessary that he should be removed to the Hospital, and he was there attended by Mr. Webster. His injuries were found to be internal and most likely will necessitate an operation being performed. At present he lies in a critical condition.

Shocking Fatal Accident

ST ALBANS YOUTH KILLED

THE INQUEST

A shocking accident, which resulted in the death of a youth named James Perrin, a shoe maker, of 39 Dagnall-street, St Albans, occurred just outside St Albans, along the Harpenden Road, on Saturday morning. It appears that at about half past ten Perrin, with a companion called Beech, were returning to St Albans after a short cycle ride, and just before they reached the turning to Sandridgebury they met a butcher's cart, being driven by John Stanley King, in the employ of Messrs Steabben. Perrin got behind Beech, in order to pass the cart, when the former, who is said not to have been a very expert rider, touched the wheel of Beech's machine, who was taking the lead. The result was that both cyclists were thrown, Beech going into the bank at the side of the road, and Perrins swerving into the horse and cart with tremendous force. … Perrins dashed into the wheel of the cart and fractured his skull, death taking place a few minutes later. The verdict was accidental death.