The 1880’s saw a boom in the popularity of cycling as mass-produced safety cycles became more affordable to working folk. Bicycles made everyday travel to work a little easier, and offered the freedom to explore the joys of the countryside during leisure time.
Many local cycle clubs were established at that period, bringing together like-minded folk to enjoy group excursions to places of interest. Other clubs promoted the sport of cycling and held road races and time trials on public roads. The bicycle also opened up a new kind of tourism for those fortunate enough to have the necessary leisure time, and holidays could be spent touring the country, seeing the sights and staying overnight in hotels and hostelries that welcomed the cycle fraternity.
Objects of the CTC, and local routes, from the British Road Book Vol. IV Scotland, dated 1901
The Cyclists’ Touring Club was formed in 1878, and gradually became accepted as the national voice of the cycling movement; representing the interests of cyclists in matters of policy and legislation, In an age before motor vehicles, and before any standard rules of the road, an enthusiastically-pedalled bike might be the fastest vehicle on the road. Some considered that the “cycling craze” was a menace to pedestrians and a dangerous distraction to horses, and called for new legislation. The CTC often had to fight vigorously against unnecessary controls, and campaigned for cyclist’s interests in issues ranging from preferential rail fares for the carriage of bikes, to research into the perils of slippery tramway tracks. CTC were also given authority to produce their own road signs, warning cyclists of steep hills and similar hazards.
Local byelaws, which were resisted by the CTC. Some seem a little odd compared with today’s highway code and involved the use of a lot of whistles and bells. It was suggested that the regulations gave a person in charge of animals the authority to order cyclists to dismount when passing.
In return for their 2/6 annual subscription, members of the Cyclists’ Touring Club, could be put in touch with others planning cycle expeditions, seek advice on the best routes and destinations, or contact local CTC members who served as “consuls” for an area. These local representatives could provide advice on the best local hotels, and later CTC introduced an approved hotels scheme, listing hotels that welcomed cyclists and offered them a preferential tariff. Such approved hotels were issued with a large cast iron plaque of the CTC “winged wheel” logo, which was proudly bolted to the outside of the building.
Such winged wheel plaques must have been substantially fixed to walls, (and difficult to remove) as examples can still occasionally be found on buildings, long after they ceased offering refreshment to cyclists. One of the best known Flying Wheel plaques in the local area is fixed to a building on Main St. Forth, This seems to have been neatly repainted in recent times. Unusually, the sign designated an approved bicycle repairer, rather than an approved hotel. This was once the premises of James T. Smith, blacksmith and cycle agent, whose services at “Smith’s Cycle Depot” kept many CTC members’ cycles on the road.
Main St. Forth, with James T. Smith’s cycle depot, and a flying wheel and some surviving lettering on the shop front.
Another Flying Wheel plaque (albeit heavily overpainted) is still fixed to an 18th century house on Main St. Carnwath, Overlooking the Merkat Cross and site of the old jail, this building was once the Market Inn, where proprietor John Sommerville “provided a splendid breakfast for hungry wayfarers”,
The former Market Inn on Main St. Carnwath, with a heavily over-painted flying wheel plaque.
Many of Clydesdale’s hotels will have been CTC approved and proudly displayed a Flying Wheel plaque on the front of the building. Is anyone aware of other examples that have survived?
CTC was rebranded as Cycling UK in 2016, and continues to vigorously promote cycling and the interests of cyclists.
Robin Chesters; 01/04/25
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