A history of cycling in Scotland 

While many maintain that the inventor of the bicycle was a Scot, others discount the claim. What is undeniable is that Scotland has had a long and engaging relationship with the bicycle. Since its invention Scots have cycled for work, pleasure and sport. While there are a number of excellent books that look at the history of the bicycle, only one, Scottish Bicycles and Tricycles by Louise Innes (National Museums Scotland), explores the bicycle’s place in Scottish life. While Innes provides invaluable information on the manufacture and sale of bicycles, and touches on aspects of the social history of the bicycle, there is much more to be told about the early days.

This website recounts the history of cycling from 1819 to 1950, as it was during that period that the bicycle became popular and affected many aspects of Scottish life. From 1950 onwards the bicycle experienced a period of severe decline in Scotland and its impact on Scottish life became minimal. Happily, the last two to three decades has seen the bicycle make a comeback.

I am very aware that there are many experts on the various aspects of cycling and as I am not one, my site no doubt includes errors, misperceptions and omissions. I would be grateful to know of any so that I can update the site. As it is not always possible to assess whether images from the past are in someone’s copyright, I hope that if I have inadvertently used an image that is in someone’s copyright that the owner will forgive the oversight. Again, please let me know and I will ensure it is credited (or if required, deleted).

I am happy for anyone to use material from this site though would ask that the website be credited.

This account draws heavily on contemporary newspapers and other accounts, and a full list of sources are given at the end of each section.

Barclay Price © 2021

email - albanystreetedinburgh@gmail.com