The Struggle for Wider Wheels on Seattle Streets

A bill has been introduced in the Legislature of British Columbia to regulate the width of wagon tires. The movement is wise and timely. The same thing has been talked of on this side of the line, but ended in nothing but talk. The subject has renewed interest right here, since the era of planking began on the streets. Such laws are common elsewhere, and there is good reason for the enactment of one here. Curroads [Country roads] are poor at the best. The climate is damp, and the soaked earth under the pressure of narrow-tired wagon wheels coils badly. Ruts are made, and in consequence the difficulty of getting about with wagons is materially increased; the object sought in making the wheels narrow being thereby defeated. No express wagon should be allowed with tires less than two inches in width. No dray with tires less than three inches and no heavy truck with less than four inches, the width being regulated by the strength to carry heavy loads and the consequent probability of injuring the streets and roads. Wide-tired wheels will act less in sand as well as in muck or clay and the benefit to be derived from their use will not therefore be confined to the winter months.