Collection Item

Quadrant Safety No 13

A ‘safety’ bicycle was any bicycle that attempted to seat the rider nearer the ground than they could on an 'Ordinary' high bicycle.

The mid 1880s saw fierce rivalry between different kinds of ‘safety’ bicycles. This design by the Quadrant Tricycle Company of Birmingham had its own unique steering frame to the pilot wheel. The manufacturers described it as being much steadier than direct steering machines and particularly useful on rutty or stony roads.

Rather heavier than other bicycles and difficult to steer round corners, it did not survive the competition with other ‘safetys’.

Cyclists’ Touring Club Collection