James Starley

[guitarpete247]

We were in Coventry today and read the name and inscription on a memorial.

We've walked past this statue many times but for some reason, today, I read it. "James Starley" "Inventor of the Bicycle". Though he didn't actually invent the bicycle he certainly was an important character in the creation of the British cycle industry. Plus the creation of the differential gear used in all cars with rear wheel drive.

 

[Speicher]

I thought it was John Kemp Starley that devised a safety bicycle. James Starley was his uncle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kemp_Starley

 

[guitarpete247]

Have you read my linky to wikipedia.

 

[Speicher]

Have you read my linky to wikipedia.

ooops very sorry

My apologies, I did not see your linky.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I have recently sorted out my will and have asked that my "marker" reads "Marmion - inventor of everything awesome"

 

[classic33]

http://starleybikes.com/history/

 

[ufkacbln]

It is amazing just how many vehicle manufacturers and how much of modern car design is down to the bicycle!

 

[biggs682]

Coventry and surrounding area has a rich cycling history just a shame not many bikes actually made in that area anymore

 

[classic33]

It is amazing just how many vehicle manufacturers and how much of modern car design is down to the bicycle!

Not just vehicle design The Secret History of Cars Begins With Bicycles

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Aircraft. The Wright brothers used adapted bike technology.

 

[classic33]

Aircraft. The Wright brothers used adapted bike technology.

They were bike builders.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

They were bike builders.

until they became aircraft builders