Dozens of cyclists made their annual visit to Dursley on Saturday to honour the memory of inventor Mikael Pedersen.
Organised by the Veteran Cycle Club (VCC) the Dursley Pedersen Gathering brings cyclists from as far away as Italy to remember Danish-born Mikael Pedersen who worked for R A Lister and Company in the late 19th century and is remembered for his unique bicycle design which he patented in 1894.
Dursley Pedersen bicycles were produced in a factory in Water Street from the around 1897 until 1914. Since then, the design has been reproduced by other firms, including the renowned Copenhagen Pedersen.
Cyclist gathered at Kingshill House in Dursley on Saturday morning before cycling into town and assembling at the Market Place. Bob Damper, President of the VCC, told Stroud Times: “We had 28 registered, but two last-minute withdrawals as always happens, so, 26 plus any who turn up on the day.
“We have done this annually for some years. We’re thinking maybe to go to every couple of years because numbers have fallen off a little bit this year. Whether that’s lack of interest or cost of living, cost of fuel, cost of travel, I don’t know, but we’ll assess it after. We’re about 10 or so down on last year, I think.
“The Pedersen’s a very iconic bike, very unusual design, instantly recognisable, interesting to the public because it’s rather different to the kind of bikes that we’re used to seeing. Also, it’s very tied to a particular place, to Dursley, where they were manufactured.”
Dursley Mayor, Cllr Alex Stennett, greeted the cyclists on their arrival. They then had a tour of the town on Saturday, visiting places associated with Mikael Pedersen, including his former home in Long Street, which bears a plaque in his honour.
Luigi Arciuli, from Milan, made the trip from Italy after buying a 1902 Dursley Pedersen in 2024. He met Dursley resident Laura Geraci at the 2024 event and they have kept in touch ever since.
The event came to a close today, Sunday, following a ride from Slimbridge to Arlingham.
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
