Victoria Penny Farthing bicycle

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

Victoria Penny Farthing bicycle on display at the Museum of St Albans. The earliest bicycle dates from the late 18th century. It was a very simple design, which was ridden by kicking it along and free-wheeling. During the 19th century, various improvements were made: steering, pedals, and in 1871 the penny-farthing. This was popular in the 1870s and 1880s as a racing and touring bicycle, but the safety cycle invented in the 1880s was more suitable for women. Cycling clubs encouraged day trips and touring. Many Londoners came out to Hertfordshire to cycle in the fresh air of the countryside.

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