Dozens of cyclists travelled from across Europe to Dursley this weekend to honour the inventor of a unique bicycle, Mikael Pedersen.
In the late 19th century Pedersen, who was working at Lister’s in the town, devised a unique cantilevered frame bicycle design, including a hammock-style saddle, something far removed from the ‘safety bicycle’ of the time.
Early examples were of wood but by 1896 he had perfected a method of jointing metal for which he again acquired a patent. This frame design, combined with a novel hammock style saddle strung between front and rear resulted in a unique concept. He formed a new company, the “Pedersen Cycle Frame Co. Ltd” with the financial backing of a wealthy American, Ernest Hooley, and moved into a factory in Water Street (the old Pin Mill) from where he began to produce his new cycles in 1897.
In 1898, Pedersen moved into Raglan House in Long Street, in the garden of which he laid out a cycle track which he used to exercise and test his machines. Unfortunately, later that year, Hooley was declared bankrupt, forcing Pedersen to look elsewhere for finance. This came in the form of R.A. Lister who acquired the patent for the cycle, and established a new company, the Dursley Pedersen Cycle Co to build the bicycles under license from the Pedersen Cycle Frame Co Ltd. Production gathered pace during the first few years of the 20th century and Pedersen spread his inventive wings, coming up with military versions, ladies and low-cost varieties as well as racers and tandems.
Organised by the Veteran-Cycle Club, the annual event has taken place since the Covid pandemic, though prior to that there were sporadic gatherings in the town dating back to the 1990s.
Robert Damper, President of the Vintage-Cycle Club told Stroud Times: “This is our annual Pedersen Gathering and we’ve come together in Dursley to celebrate his rather unusual bicycle.
“The Pedersen Bicycle was manufactured from the late 19th century until the First World War. We’ve got around 15 or 20 original bicycles here today, along with modern designs. The design never died and they are still being made in Germany by Michael Kemper.”
Saturday afternoon saw cyclists visit historic sites around the town, including Pedersen’s factory in Water Street where bicycle production began in1897.
“Dursley Town Council is very supportive of the event, and that helps with the planning and makes the event a great success.”
Luigi Arciuli, from Milan, made the trip from Italy after buying a 1902 Pedersen at last year’s event and even discovered a pivotal document in Swindon that traced every model of the Pedersen bike.
Mr Damper added: “We are planning another event around this time next year as we are usually blessed with nice spring weather.
“Dursley Town Council are always very supportive and that really helps with making the event a success.”
