While he nurtured the popularity of the bicycle through the press, pope also supported legal and political efforts to establish cycling as a legitimate endeavor. that included going to court in cities where riding was outlawed on streets or in parks based on claims that cycles frightened horses. in new york city, for example, three cyclists were arrested in 1881 for defying an ordinance against riding in central park. this was a test case, and pope was more than willing to finance the defendants' legal battle. months of testimony ensued, starting with witness samuel g. hough, who described what happened when a cyclist crashed into his horse-drawn buggy. –wheels of change, sue macy which events were occurring at the same time? check all that apply. pope tried to the bicycle gain popularity. pope attempted to get cycling recognized as a real means of transportation. pope got involved in the arrest of three cyclists for defying cycling rules. pope spoke out against bicycling. pope accidentally crashed into a horse-drawn buggy.