British Transport Films: Cyclists Special (Video)

When we posted the How a Bicycle is Made video from 1940s England last week, a reader commented to call attention to another favorite oldie, which we’re sharing here today. British Transport Films: Cyclists Special is a 15-minute video that follows a group of cyclists on a trip from London out to the Midlands in the mid-1950s. It depicts a beautiful age of bicycle travel in England (à la Rough Stuff Fellowship) with quiet roads and ultra-simple bikes, clothing, and bags.

To get further out of London’s urban center, the group in the video takes a special train with a bicycle carriage just for them, traveling roughly 100 miles by train to begin their cycling excursion. There’s something joyful about watching the group of all ages rambling along through the countryside on basic bikes, of course stopping to enjoy food, tea, beer, and the sights as they go. And the narration is quite special as well! Watch the full 15-minute video below:

“These cyclists aren’t afraid to get off and walk if things get uncomfortable, because they’re tourists, and they’re out to see and enjoy everything the countryside has to offer.”

“Cycling, like all good exercise, uses up energy. And unless you’re experienced, you can go on pushing them around until you bring on a touch of the bonk, which, being interpreted, means that you feel distressingly fatigued. An experienced cyclist always guards against that by eating.”

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