Did you know? Bell’s Fast Facts Fridays

Last week we showed you just how much the U.S. is a bike-loving country, so this week we thought we’d show some love to our neighbors across the sea…thank you @BBC for this wonderful history lesson on bicycles!

1. In 1839 a Scot called Kirkpatrick Macmillan made a machine for a rider which had wheels rimmed with iron. Instead of pedals it used cranks – but it was not a success. (UK Bicycle Facts)

2. The first National Bike Week was organized in 1923 by the Cyclists’ Touring Club. (UK Bicycle Facts)

3. Bell Sports has bicycle helmet distributors all over the world, including Madison in the UK. (Bell Sports)

4. In 1870, James Starley, who became known as the father of the bicycle industry, developed the famous Penny-Farthing in England. It was named after the largest and the smallest copper coins in the currency at that time. In the 1870s a party of enthusiasts are said to have ridden Penny-Farthings from Lands End to John O’Groats (690 miles) in 15 days. (UK Bicycle Facts)

5. The basic design of the bicycle has remained fairly similar since the 1890s, although obviously many refinements have been made over the last 100 years. (UK Bicycle Facts)

Traveled across seas lately and spotted a Bell Sports helmet? Let us know where you saw the snazzy gear! Or perhaps you’re on vacation now? Be sure to keep your eye out for the Bell and tell us all about it, below!