Bicycles old and new were on show at The Museum in the Park in Stroud on Sunday.
They formed the central display at the museum’s Bikes through the Ages exhibition.
Stroud District Councillor for Minchinhampton, and a director of Transition Stroud, Cllr Gill Thomas said: “I contacted Abigail Large at the museum and asked to have a chat, to find out what the museum is up to in terms of the services they provide for health and wellbeing and as we got chatting, we started talking about bikes.”
Members of the Veteran Cycle Club were quick to provide a range of bikes, including the unique Dursley Pedersen that was invented at the end of the 19th century by Mikael Pedersen who was working at the engineering firm Lister’s. There was even an actor on hand dressed as the Danish inventor.
Philip Harrison displayed his 1890 Hillman, Herbert & Cooper Model A bicycle, complete with solid tyres and the original pedals. It has been in his family for around 20 years and is believed to have been stored in a garage loft prior to that.
“The ride is a bit bumpy, and it’s got a front spoon brake which pushes directly onto the solid tyre – it’s not particularly effective!” said Mr Harrison.
The unique pedal-powered Rinky Dink sound system also gave rides to youngsters at Stratford Park.
“It’s been a really fantastic celebration of the community coming together. Bikes from all different ages, people trying them out, having a go. Just really capturing the whole essence of what I wanted to achieve, which was to promote the benefits of cycling being Cycle September and how beneficial it is for your health and wellbeing and being outside,” added Cllr Thomas.
Pictures by Matt Bigwood
