There are numerous places where the Bicycle System will commend itself,
and where the necessity for the construction of a standard gauge
track becomes a very expensive operation, especially in mountainous
districts, where solid granite must be cut away in order to get
the required space. The actual space occupied on the surface for a
Bicycle road, need only be enough to rest the supporting rail, where
a standard gauge road would require a great deal of expensive work to
prepare a level surface the necessary width, upon which to rest the
ties. A longitudinal iron or wooden beam upon which to rest the rail
is all that would be required for the Bicycle line, thus bridging all
inequalities, and saving greatly in expense.
And in addition, the ease with which its cars and engines may turn,
render it especially applicable to such places where sharp curves
occur, in winding around mountain gorges. In such places the Bicycle
road requires a space only four and one-half feet in width for a single
line, and for a double line about nine. In putting up the structure the
rock may be drilled, and slight iron supports fastened to it. Another
advantage which is apparent in case heavy grades are to be mounted, is
that an arrangement could be constructed, which, by pressing against
the upper structure or overhead guiding-beam, would greatly increase
traction.
Numerous narrow gauge roads now in operation in the West prove their
advantage over the ordinary standard gauge, in the saving of friction
and the ease with which they turn sharp curves. No narrower gauge
road than the Bicycle can possibly be constructed, and, as narrowing
the gauge decreases friction, surely we have the greatest possible
advantage over anything yet constructed. Its economy and simplicity is
very superior. You can never get less than a single wheel, or line of
wheels, or less than a single rail to run upon.