1901

John Kemp Starley

Inventor and industrialist, who sold the first recognizably modern bicycle. Starley went into business with William Sutton, with the intention of producing bicycles that were safe and easy to use. First sold in 1885 under the brand name 'Rover', the bicycle was a rear-wheel-drive, chain-driven cycle with two similar-sized wheels, making it more stable than the previous high wheeler designs.

For comparison see Denis Johnson and his hobby-horse bicycle.

Our picture source, albeit in French, has some lovely images.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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John Kemp Starley

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John Kemp Starley

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