"This bicycle is very important.

It was designed by J.K. Starley and built at the Searley and Sutton Company's factory in West Orchard, Coventry, where the Debenhams store stands today (2008).

It is called a 'Safety Cycle' because it was safer to ride than the larger Penny Farthing cycles that were used by most cyclists of the time.

It is important because of its shape and some of the improvements Starley added to it. He had developing safety cycles during the 1880s. By the end of the decade he had designed a bicycle that was better than all others available at the time.

It was successful because of the 'diamond' shaped frame, pedals and chain to drive the back wheel. The saddle was in the best riding position, with steering through the handlebars to the front wheel.

These are all things we still have on bicycles today. This Rover Safety bicycle became the pattern for most modern examples.

Do you recognize anything on this bicycle that you still have on your own bike?"