New 'First Bike' exhibition officially opened by record breaking cyclist
It's hoped the display will inspire more people to get on their bikes, and celebrate the significance of cycling in Dumfries
A new ‘First Bike’ exhibition has launched in Dumfries Museum, officially opened by Josh Quigley, a record breaking cyclist who credits the sport with saving his life.
The exhibition recognises a deep rooted history of cycling in the area, with Dumfries the home of the late Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a former blacksmith who invented one of the earliest bikes.
It comes as part of the region's 'Summer of Cycling' calendar, and ahead of the UCI World Para-Cycling Championships which get underway in Dumfries next week.
The display delves into themes of freedom, fitness, leisure, and work.
Tying into the many benefits associated with cycling, Josh was pleased to use the official opening as an opportunity to promote a positive and personal message:
“People get into cycling for different reasons. For me, it was trying to improve my mental health. For other people, that could be the same, it could be trying to improve their physical health, or saving money on transport by cycling to work.
“Just find that reason for you, getting on the bike is such a great message.”
Last year, Josh broke the record for cycling the furthest distance in a single week, when he completed 2,179 miles in seven days.
Speaking on the new exhibition, he said: "With the area having such an affinity with the bike, it’s fitting that the Museum is putting on this exhibition to coincide with the UCI Paracycling World Championships.
“It is great to see so much cycling activity going on across the region this summer, which hopefully will inspire even more people to get out on their bike and explore what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer."
At the centre of the exhibition is the ‘velocipede’, the world’s first bicycle, as invented by Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839.
The museum say they’re pleased to have such an important historic artefact on display.
In addition, the exhibition has a personalised touch, with Dumfries Museum inviting contributions of photographs featuring individuals with their first bikes.
These photographs have been showcased on a big screen, with the aim of sparking visitors own memories surrounding their own first bikes.
Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said:
“We are very proud to be home to the inventor of what we know is the first modern bicycle, so what better way to pay homage to Kirkpatrick MacMillan than to showcase his creation at the centre of an exhibition dedicated to cycling.
“We are delighted too that so many people have chosen to share their memories of their first bike, it is a charming exhibition and well worth a visit.”
The exhibition can be accessed free of charge.