Judy Wright Special to The Citizen The melting snow and warmer temperatures are a sign that winter is winding down. We are also starting to experience potholes springing up in our roads and parking lots. While we always seem to complain about the condition of the roads we travel, there was a time when roads in the U.S. were in worse condition than they are today. Those poor road conditions were due to improper construction, maintenance and drainage. According to the Cornell Local Roads Program, it was an association of bicycle riders called the League of American Wheelman who helped change the condition of the roads starting in 1893. By 1904, approximately 7% of the U.S. roads were considered improved, as they were graded and smooth. These improved roads were actually gravel!