The Wiltshire factory that revolutionised bicycles

56 minutes ago

Sue Kinnear,Bradford on Avonand

Kirsten Robertson,Wiltshire

Getty Images A black and white photo of a man stood with a bicycle in front of Rolls Royce cars — Dr Alex Moulton developed his revolutionary bikes at his home in Bradford on Avon

They sell for thousands, have a dedicated following across Asia and are described as having "revolutionised the bicycle industry".

The Moulton Bicycle Factory, founded by late pioneering engineer Dr Alex Moulton, developed and produced a new style of small-wheel, full-suspension bicycle from the early 1960s.

Based in Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, the company has now been awarded a prestigious Red Wheel plaque by the National Transport Trust in recognition of its significance in the development of transport.

Adrian Williams, Moulton's chief executive, said he was "absolutely delighted" the company had been handed the accolade.

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The Red Wheel plaque presented to the company is part of a scheme which seeks to bring sites of transport heritage to the attention of a wider audience.

Whereas English Heritage Blue Plaques commemorate significant people, Red Wheels commemorate significant places.

Moulton's small-wheel design on bikes became hugely influential in late 20th Century. At one point, the company was the second-largest bicycle manufacturer in England behind Raleigh.

"By 1970, a third of bicycles were sold were actually small wheel bicycles," explained Williams. "That's the difference it made to the industry."

A group of men in a bicycle workshop building bike framed with specialised tools. They are wearing casual clothing and there are lots of tools and parts around them on benches and shelves. — Many employees at the company have been there for decades

Dr Moulton, who died in 2012 at the age of 92, lived at the Hall Estate in Bradford on Avon, where he built a cycle track around his home so he could test out his products.

His model of bike was described as a "design classic" by industrial designer Sir James Dyson, and he also became well known for revolutionising the suspension system of British cars, such as the Mini.

Moulton bicycles now sell for between £2,000 and £25,000, and 85% are exported overseas due to popularity in countries such as China and Japan.

A red plaque which says 'the Moulton Bicycle Factory' with a QR code beneath it — The red plaque has been presented to the Wiltshire firm in recognition of its significance in the development of transport

Many staff at the Wiltshire factory have been at the company for years.

Tim Bigwood, 79, has worked at the company, based in Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, for 64 years.

A man in blue overalls with glasses around his neck. There is metal equipment behind him. — Bigwood said every week is different in his job

"I came straight from school. Some of the men that I was put to work with, they were so skilled," he said. "And the machinery... it was all really interesting and that has stayed with me every since."

"Every week is different here," he added.

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