The Shop Bike

Most local shops that offered deliveries to customers had that well known piece of transportation called The Shop Bike. Every unsuspecting boy that worked in the shop was called the Delivery Lad. Before the days of Health and Safety, the shopkeeper would load up as many boxed orders as they could get strung on the front and send the shop errand boy out in all weathers to deliver the goods to those who couldn't be bothered or able to carry them home. I should know, I was one of those delivery lads. In those days customer service came first not a take it or leave it attitude like there is today. So the shops that had them were typically the general store, baker or butcher.

The bicycle shown below is from around 1960 and was ridden by a recently passed neighbour of mine during the 1960's for a local butcher and when the shop closed he was given the bike. His family have very kindly given it to me. The bicycle was made by Elswick of Barton on Humber (Now Falcon Cycles). Unfortunately Falcon Cycles were not able to help that much.

It needs a bit of TLC to return it somewhere near its former glory and there are a number of vintage bicycle restoration companies who will do just that. It is just finding one close enough to home to keep the cost down. It will be restored and ridden as a tribute to not just my neighbour but all the delivery lads of the past.
Thank you for your service.

Ps: if you have enjoyed this post or any of my other posts, please let me know, it stops me thinking I am talking to myself.